I never thought I would write these words, but what we have here is a relegation clash between Ajax and Volendam.

The idea that Ajax is in a relegation battle would have seemed a cause for a medical check-up, but that's the current situation. The Dutch giants find themselves at the bottom of the Eredivisie with just five points from eight games. They have won only once this season, and that was on the first day of the campaign. They are in a real mess.

Volendam isn't doing much better, as they are just two points and two places above Ajax. Under normal circumstances, this game would have been considered a sure win for Ajax, but right now, no one can say that with confidence.

I won't be backing Ajax on the spreads; there is simply too much risk involved. They have been very unreliable, and while they should be beating Volendam, there's no guarantee of that happening.

I have much more confidence that we will see an abundance of goals in this game, even at a relatively high total.

The total has been set at 3.75, and usually, I wouldn't entertain such a high figure. However, on this occasion, I believe it's justified.

In Ajax's three home games this season, there have been 5, 4, and 3 goals scored. In six of their last eight home games, going back to last season, there have been at least four goals scored in each game.

Three of Volendam's four away games this season have had at least four goals in them, with the other away game having three goals in it.

As you can see, when these two teams play, whether at home or away, there are usually goals. I see no reason why that would not be the case today.

Ajax needs a win just to appease their fans, and Volendam will feel strongly that they can get something from this game.

All the ingredients are there for a high-scoring game, and that is what I am betting on.

Carabao Cup games are tricky to navigate; you never know which teams the respective managers are going to put out, as the bigger clubs tend to rest players. However, on this occasion, there is a good reason to believe that both managers will select quite strong teams.

For starters, Man Utd is at home and cannot afford another loss, especially after the way they capitulated against bitter rivals Man City over the weekend. They are also the holders of this competition and will not want to be eliminated at home. I expect United to go for the win, which means they will pick a team that can bring home the victory.

However, Newcastle will not be pushovers. They are a very good team and, on their day, can beat anyone as they proved against Man City in this very competition. They lost to Man Utd in the final last season and will be seeking to get revenge. They also know that now is the best time to take on United.

So, we will have two highly motivated teams, most likely both fielding strong lineups. All of this leads to one thing: goals because without goals, games cannot be won.

Both of these teams will be looking for the win, and I cannot see a low-scoring game, especially when you consider what this match means to both teams.

All things considered, over 2.5 goals is a solid pick.

On paper, you might be tempted to side with the Premier League team, but there are compelling reasons to favor Ipswich Town for a minor surprise and to claim victory in the Carabao Cup this evening.

To begin with, Ipswich is excelling in the Championship, holding a comfortable nine-point lead over the third-placed Leeds United. Even this early in the season, they seem to have one of the top two automatic promotion spots nearly secured. They have been formidable at home, winning eight out of nine home games in all competitions this season and scoring at least three times in their last seven home games. This is a team that consistently wins and scores at home.

It's worth noting that they have already defeated a Premier League team at home in this competition earlier this season.

On the other hand, Fulham sits in 14th place in the Premier League with just 12 points from their ten league games. They have only managed one away win all season, and that came against a very poor Everton team. While they've had the occasional commendable draw, like the 2-2 against Arsenal, their overall away form and current form leave much to be desired.

This game presents the perfect opportunity for Ipswich to progress to the later stages of the competition and claim the scalp of another Premier League side in the process. That's precisely what I'm backing them to do.

Take Ipswich to win

I don't expect either team to field a full-strength lineup for this match, as both sides are involved in European competitions and already have a busy schedule. This competition offers them an opportunity to rest players, especially Arsenal.

However, neither side will field a completely reserve team. I anticipate the lineups will include some first-team players, alongside some youngsters and fringe players, with several star players likely on the bench.

This situation makes it challenging to pick a winner, although I still expect Arsenal to come out on top. Betting on the spread, however, becomes trickier, as it depends heavily on team selection.

Despite that, this is a London derby, and both teams will be motivated to progress, particularly with Man City already eliminated. I anticipate an attacking game from both sides.

West Ham might fancy their chances, especially if Arsenal opts for a different defensive setup, which is expected. Even Arsenal's reserve team should have enough firepower to breach the West Ham defense, regardless of the lineup.

If this were a Premier League game, I might have considered betting on Arsenal to cover the spread. However, the various variables at play here make it safer for me to go with over 2.5 goals in this match.

When West Ham allows a team to breach their defense comfortably, as has happened recently, goals tend to flow. At the same time, the Hammers are capable of getting on the scoresheet themselves, which is why I'm backing the over 2.5 goals.

Take over 2.5 goals

This German cup match features Bundesliga 2 side Kaiserslautern hosting Bundesliga 1 side FC Koln at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion.

In general, a team from a higher division is expected to have the edge, but in this match, we have a strong home team facing a struggling away team from the higher division. This sets the stage for a potential minor surprise.

However, predicting an outright winner in this match is quite challenging. Kaiserslautern is more than capable of causing an upset, but they could also be overpowered by the Bundesliga 1 side.

What appears to be a more solid prediction is related to the total number of goals, and here's why:

In every single home game this season for Kaiserslautern, there have been at least three goals, and five out of six home games have seen at least four goals.

Three of Koln's five away games in the league this season have had at least three goals. Their last three away games have all featured at least three goals.

In this scenario, we have a home team that excels in scoring, is confident against a higher-division team, and an away team determined not to be eliminated from the competition by a lower-division team. When such a scenario unfolds, it often results in goals.

So, considering all these factors, it's a reasonable choice to bet on over 3 goals in this match.

Due to travelling and time constraints, there is no analysis today.

I take under 46 points

Due to travelling and time constraints, there is no analysis today.

I take over 43.5 points

Due to travelling and time constraints, there is no analysis today.

I take over 45.5 points

AC Milan have not had good results against the big teams in Serie A this season, having already lost to Juventus and Inter Milan. There is every chance that this poor run of form against the best teams will continue this evening against Napoli.

The Naples outfit has not been at their best this season and needs the points. They are six points behind leaders Juventus and will want to narrow that gap. They are more than capable of doing that provided their mindset is correct.

That is the thing with big games; it's more mental than anything else, especially when playing against opponents on your same level. For Napoli, their form seems to drop against the smaller teams but pick up against the big boys. Well, that was the case last season.

I accept that Napoli has not been at their best, but I am confident they will raise their game for the visit of AC Milan. Truth be told, Milan is not exactly firing on all cylinders right now, and this is probably the best time to face them.

I am backing Napoli to get the win.

Due to travelling and time constraints, there is no analysis today.

I take Houston Texans to cover the spread

Due to travelling and time constraints, there is no analysis today.

I take the Vikings to cover the spread

On paper, a Man City win would seem to be the obvious pick. They are the better team, have been playing better, and are in much better current form. However, this is a derby, and United does have the home-team advantage.

That may not be enough for United. Man City is more than capable of dominating this game and leaving with all three points. But too often, United has found a way at Old Trafford against City, even when they have been in poorer shape entering the game.

There is just too much risk for me in picking a winner on the spreads, but the totals do look enticing.

I do see both teams scoring. United, because they are at home, will have the crowd behind them, especially after their midweek win over Copenhagen and how the game played out. City very rarely does not score.

I also envisage at least one of the teams scoring twice, most likely City, and therefore, over 2.75 is the bet for me.

A win for Dortmund today would see them go joint top in the Bundesliga, on the same points as Bayern Munich. The motivation is certainly there for them to go all out for the win today.

Eintracht Frankfurt has had a mixed season so far; however, at home, they are formidable. The last time Eintracht lost at home in the Bundesliga was in October 2022. Since then, they have gone 14 home games without defeat.

The last home defeat for Eintracht was, in fact, against Dortmund, but even so, it's going to be difficult for any team to record a win in Frankfurt.

So, we have two teams that will go all out to get the win, and that means goals. Dortmund cannot afford to fall behind Bayern this early in the season, and Eintracht Frankfurt is used to winning at home.

There will be goals in this match, which is why I am going for over 2.75 goals.

Juventus will aim to build on their recent victory against AC Milan when Verona comes to town. The Bianconeri are among the favorites to win Serie A this season and are currently just two points off the top of the league standings. They have shown signs of being potential champions in most matches this season, and games like this fixture against Verona provide them with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to win challenging matches.

On the other hand, the visitors have not had the best of seasons, winning only two matches so far, and they find themselves closer to the relegation zone than to a European spot. Juventus may view this as a match they can win comfortably.

Verona has historically been a tricky opponent for Juventus, having defeated them in 2021 when Allegri had just returned to the club. However, the Bianconeri will enter the fixture with confidence following their recent victory against Milan, and they have also won their last three matches against Verona, regardless of the venue.

Verona's form ahead of this game has been poor, with four losses and a draw in their last five matches, conceding at least two goals in their last two games. With Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic back to fitness, Juventus should be capable of winning this game by at least two goals.

Take Juventus to cover the spread

RB Leipzig is set to host struggling Cologne in this Bundesliga game and will be determined to secure a victory. The host is currently playing catch-up with the teams at the top of the league standings, having recorded two draws in their last five league matches. However, they understand that this is just the beginning of the campaign and they have ample time to catch up.

Cologne has had a dreadful start to this season, finding themselves hovering around the relegation zone, just one point off the bottom of the league standings. The four points they have accumulated this season have come from a draw and a win, with the rest of their league matches resulting in losses.

Leipzig, on the other hand, is a challenging opponent for Cologne to target a win against at this time, as they have won both of their last two games, including a victory in the Champions League against a strong Red Star Belgrade side. 

I fully expect that the home side will dominate this game and secure a victory by at least a two-goal margin, they have the better form and until things change, Cologne are akin to being cannon fodder right now.

Take Leipzig to cover the spread

Barcelona and Real Madrid are two of the biggest clubs in Europe and the most powerful teams in Spanish football. This is the first El Clásico game of the season, and both clubs are ready to make an early-season impact against their opponent.

Real Madrid's season has been bolstered by the addition of Jude Bellingham, whom they signed from Borussia Dortmund in the last transfer window. The Englishman has been a sensation for the Spanish giants and has been consistently scoring. His presence alone has convinced Madrid fans that they have a team capable of defeating Barça.

However, Xavi has done a superb job at Barcelona, and the club is now one of the toughest to score against in Europe. The Catalans have built a reputation for dominating possession and delivering terrific attacking displays over the years. But under Xavi, they have prioritized a solid defense before ensuring they score goals to win matches. This approach helped them win the league last season, and they are just one point behind Madrid in the standings ahead of this game.

Both clubs have identical recent records, with Madrid winning four and drawing one of their last five competitive games, a pattern that Barcelona has also replicated.

In their head-to-head matchups last season, Barcelona won three of the five matches in which both clubs met and the Catalans have the very important home advantage.

I am taking Barca on the spread with the worst case scenario that stakes are returned in the event of a draw but I am confident that Barcelona will grab the win at home.

Two mid-table German sides, Augsburg and Wolfsburg, are set to face off in the Bundesliga this weekend, with both teams eager to secure a victory. Augsburg currently sits in the tenth position on the league standings, four points behind their visitors, Wolfsburg, who are in the ninth position.

Both clubs have had a relatively similar start to the season in Germany. Wolfsburg has won four games, while Augsburg has recorded two wins and two draws, with the remaining matches resulting in losses. Augsburg displayed good form in their last match, defeating Heidenheim 5-2 away from home, and their fans may be confident that they can achieve a positive result in this upcoming fixture.

However, Wolfsburg is considered one of the stronger sides in the league and is dealing with inconsistent form. The visitors have won two of their last five matches but have lost three, and they will enter this game on the back of a two-game losing streak. Their fans will be eager to see an end to this poor run, and scoring more goals than their opponents would be the solution to their problems.

One common aspect in recent matches involving these teams is their ability to find the back of the net, and it is expected that this game will be another high-scoring encounter, with at least three goals being scored.

Take over 2.75 goals

Tottenham are flying at the moment, they remain unbeaten and are clear by two points at the top of the Premier League. They have not had the most difficult schedule to date but they have beaten Liverpool and Man Utd and drawn at Arsenal.

Crystal Palace have had their usual inconsistent start to the season, they are 11th in the standings and have the capabilities to cause Tottenham some issues, they have shown that this season by beating the likes of Man Utd at Old Trafford, though losing last week 4-0 away at Newcastle shows that they can also be cannon fodder, thus the inconsistency.

Additionally, Palace have been ravaged by injuries and that is starting to show, whereas Tottenham can call on all their best players for this game apart from Rodrigo Bentancur, who has not played at all this season.

With a full-strength team and confidence at maximum levels, it is almost impossible to look beyond Tottenham picking up all three points against a depleted Palace side.

Take Tottenham -0.75

Rangers have faced some recent upheaval, leading to the dismissal of their manager. However, they have rebounded domestically with two convincing victories, scoring a total of seven goals and conceding none in their last two games.

Sparta Prague is in excellent form, sitting at the top of the Czech league with 32 points from just 12 games. They enter this Europa League match with confidence, although they did suffer a loss to Real Betis in their last European outing.

It's worth noting that Rangers defeated Real Betis in this competition but also lost to Aris Limassol in their most recent European match. So, based on recent form, both domestically and in Europe, these two teams appear to be fairly evenly matched.

The key difference here is home advantage, which can be crucial. Sparta Prague is typically strong in front of their home fans, while Rangers have shown vulnerability on the road. This is why I am leaning towards a home win today.

Considering these factors, I am backing Sparta Prague to secure the victory in this match.

Take Sparta to cover the spread.

One of the highly anticipated Champions League fixtures tonight features Newcastle United from the Premier League facing off against Borussia Dortmund from the Bundesliga, and it promises to be a classic encounter.

Both teams are in good form and have a knack for finding the back of the net, so there's every reason to expect a high-scoring match.

Newcastle has only played one Champions League home game this season, which resulted in a stunning 4-1 victory over French giants PSG. They also defeated Crystal Palace 4-0 in the Premier League over the weekend and currently lead the Premier League in terms of goals scored. Their home fans create a hostile atmosphere, and it's certain that the players will be highly motivated for this game.

Dortmund came close to winning the Bundesliga last season but narrowly missed out on the final day. They remain a strong team and come into this game in good form, having won four of their last five matches.

While Dortmund may not be as prolific as Newcastle, their domestic games have seen an average of just over three goals per game. Their current trajectory is upward after a somewhat rocky start to the season.

Dortmund understands the importance of this game, as they've only earned one point from their first two Champions League matches. Expect them to be attack-minded, as they need goals to secure a win.

Newcastle, with their home crowd behind them, knows that a victory would put them in a strong position to advance to the knockout rounds. They will also be focused on attacking and securing the win.

Considering all these factors, it's highly likely that this match will see plenty of goals.

Take over 3 goals

On paper, Manchester United should win this Champions League game by a wide margin; however, that would be ignoring how poorly United has been playing this season, and it is far from a foregone conclusion that United will win this game by two or more goals.

United barely scraped past Sheffield United, a team that is at the rock bottom of the Premier League with just one point from nine games, a team that allowed Newcastle United to score eight goals against them. It took a world-class shot to finally secure three points for United.

Prior to that, United beat Brentford 2-1, thanks to two goals in the 93rd and 97th minute. These were essentially two fortunate wins for United, following their defeat at home to Galatasaray in the Champions League and a home defeat against Crystal Palace.

Now, when it comes to analyzing United and labeling them as poor, what about Copenhagen? Well, they have one point from two games in the Champions League, but that doesn't tell the whole story. They were leading 2-0 against Galatasaray in Turkey until they conceded in the 86th and 88th minute, resulting in a draw. They were also drawing at home against Bayern Munich until the Germans scored the winner in the 83rd minute.

This suggests that Copenhagen struggles to see games out, and while I didn't watch the Bayern game, I did watch the Galatasaray game, and they played exceptionally well for 90% of the match.

Domestically, Copenhagen is at the top of the standings and has lost just twice in 12 games so far. In other words, they are the best team in their own country.

In conclusion, should Manchester United win at home? Of course, they should. However, based on what I've seen - their home form, their Champions League form, the disharmony in the team, and Copenhagen's performance both in Europe and domestically - I am backing the Danish side to cover the spread.

Take Copenhagen +1.5

I've been eagerly anticipating the Champions League match between the French side Lens and the Dutch outfit PSV for several days now. I can't say with absolute certainty who I think will win, but what I am convinced of is that there will be a lot of goals.

I watched Lens play against Arsenal, and I thought they were very impressive. Their crowd is as passionate as they come, and their compact stadium significantly enhances the atmosphere.

Although Lens had a rough start to their domestic season, which is why they are near the bottom of the standings, their form has improved significantly over the past few weeks. They are currently on a four-game unbeaten run in the league and six in all competitions.

While Lens may not be prolific scorers, they have shown improvement recently, especially at home, where they scored twice in two of their last three home matches. Lens is now in form and full of confidence, particularly after their home victory against Arsenal in the Champions League. They likely feel they can beat any team in their own stadium.

PSV is in outstanding form domestically, winning all nine of their games this season, scoring 30 times and conceding just three, which is impressive by any measure. They did suffer a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in London in their opening Champions League game, but they performed much better, earning a 2-2 draw against Sevilla.

When you look at PSV results this season, both in the Eredivisie and the Champions League, it's clear that there are goals whenever they play, regardless of the opponent.

Considering Lens is at home, in good form, and brimming with confidence, and PSV's strong domestic performance and improvement in Europe, I anticipate an end-to-end game with both teams scoring, and both likely finding the back of the net at least twice.

Take over 2.75 goals

The 49ers suffered a surprising loss to the Browns last week, ending their unbeaten start to the season. However, I anticipate a significant reaction from them this evening when they face the Vikings.

The Vikings have a 2-4 record this season and have generally performed poorly. While they did manage to secure a win against the Bears last week, it's not a significant achievement. They are struggling both offensively and defensively, which is not the ideal situation to be in when facing one of the Super Bowl favorites coming off an unexpected defeat.

The only question for me was regarding the point spread, and I believe the 49ers will win this game by a considerable margin. Having them at -7 points is, in my opinion, a great opportunity, and I intend to take full advantage of that offer.

I recommend taking San Francisco to cover the spread.

Tottenham has a golden opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League today, and it's likely they will do just that. This season's Tottenham side is markedly different from the previous one, displaying a high level of confidence and having already secured seven points out of nine against the traditional top-six teams. Playing in front of their home fans, they should aim to secure all three points.

While Tottenham will be missing Bissouma in midfield, they possess sufficient quality throughout the rest of the team to overcome a struggling Fulham side. Tottenham's improvement compared to the previous season is evident, but the same cannot be said for Fulham, who appear to be a weaker team this term. Despite Fulham's victory over Tottenham this season, it's worth noting that it occurred in the Carabao Cup on penalties against Tottenham's second-string team. The circumstances today are vastly different.

I believe Tottenham will secure a victory, and they will win by a margin of at least a couple of goals.

Take Tottenham to cover the spread

The Eagles' undefeated streak came to an end last week with a loss to the Jets, and it felt like an inevitable outcome, even though I didn't expect it to happen in that particular game. In essence, despite their strong start to the season, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before they hit a rough patch. Now that they have suffered their first loss, I anticipate that there might be more setbacks on the horizon.

The Dolphins have only been defeated by the Bills this season, which is not a result to be ashamed of, and it will take a formidable team to hand them another loss. In fact, Miami has performed exceptionally well for the most part and has secured several convincing victories.

In my opinion, the loss last week for the Eagles was significant, and the current momentum seems to be with Miami. Considering that Miami is receiving 3 points on the spread, it's a clear choice for me. I'm picking Miami to cover the spread.

The Kansas offense hasn't displayed its usual dynamism this season, except perhaps in the game against the Bears. However, I don't anticipate this trend to continue, and I believe this is the perfect game for them to return to their fundamental strengths and start scoring more heavily.

Having watched the Chargers several times this season, I find them to be competitive, although not consistently clinical. They've managed to secure some narrow wins but have also lost close games. In my view, the Chargers are what I would call a "level team." Their performance doesn't tend to fluctuate too much, and their success often depends more on how their opponent performs than on their own performance.

In my opinion, if the Kansas offense steps up, I expect them to win this game fairly comfortably, perhaps even by a double-digit margin. Therefore, I'm giving the Chiefs the benefit of the doubt and predicting that they will cover the spread in this matchup.

The Steelers have been a significant disappointment for me this season. While they have had some moments of success, they have generally underperformed, and I don't see that changing in this game.

It's true that the Steelers have a 3-2 record, but when they've been beaten, they've been defeated quite decisively. Their morale appears to decline rapidly, and they struggle to contain their opponents. I have reservations about their ability to stem the tide, especially against a team like the Rams.

The Rams are currently 3-3, but it's worth noting that two of their losses came against the 49ers and the Eagles, and in both of those games, they put up a strong fight. I believe their offense has more than enough firepower to overpower the vulnerable Steelers' defense.

All things considered, I'm predicting that the Rams will emerge as clear victors in front of their home crowd. So, I'm taking the Rams to cover the spread.

Last week, I decided to give the Raiders one last chance, and they didn't disappoint. Now, I anticipate them to build on that positive result and continue their momentum against the struggling Chicago Bears.

The Bears have made improvements in their defense, but they still have vulnerabilities and lack a strong offensive presence.

While the Raiders have shown inconsistency, they do have their moments, and their defense is relatively stable. However, my concern lies with their offense.

In my view, this game highlights the Bears' struggles, and I don't see them achieving a favorable outcome, even with home-field advantage. I fully expect Las Vegas to secure the victory and cover the spread.

Take Las Vegas -2.5

I expected the totals market to be relatively low in this game, perhaps around 40 points, but I was surprised to see it set as low as 37. As soon as I saw that figure, I knew I had to bet on the over for this matchup.

I understand why there's an expectation of a low-scoring game, but that assumes that both defenses will perform exceptionally well at the same time, which I find unlikely.

While the Giants managed to hold the Bills to just 14 points last week, it appeared to be more of a result of the Bills' offense having an off day rather than the Giants' defense excelling. To be fair, I thought the outcome flattered New York.

On the other hand, the Commanders are a struggling team, and their defense has a tendency to give up points on a significant scale. Last week, they only conceded 16 points, but in the four games before that, they had allowed at least 33 points in each game.

I just don't see both of these teams suddenly having solid defenses at the same time. In fact, I expect both to revert to their usual form and allow a high number of points.

So, I'm taking the over 37 points on this one.

Atalanta is set to face Genoa in their latest Serie A fixture as they aim to build upon a promising start to the season.

La Dea has had a somewhat inconsistent beginning to the season, currently sitting nine points behind the league leaders. They have secured four victories from their first eight league matches.

Atalanta, coming off a defeat in their previous league game against Lazio before the international break, understands the importance of returning to the winning column in this match.

Genoa, too, enters this game on the heels of a loss to AC Milan and is eager to regain their form. Their season has had a less-than-ideal start, with just one win from their first five matches, and they face a tough challenge in the form of Atalanta.

Atalanta currently holds the upper hand in terms of form and has been potent in front of goal, having scored 13 goals in the league prior to this fixture. With some of the finest attackers in Serie A, Atalanta enjoys a clear advantage going into this game.

It's likely that they will breach the Genoa defense on multiple occasions and should secure a victory by a margin of at least two goals.

Take Atalanta to cover the spread

Aston Villa and West Ham are set to face off in an exciting Premier League matchup today with both clubs looking to move up the table.

Under the effective management of Unai Emery, Aston Villa has experienced a resurgence and could move into fifth place by surpassing Newcastle United with a victory in this game.

West Ham has also had a strong season and is just two points behind the hosts, meaning a win would elevate them to fifth place on the league table to start the new week.

This clash brings together two teams with ample attacking prowess and a roster of some of the league's finest players across all positions.

Aston Villa has been in impressive form, remaining unbeaten in four of their last five competitive matches, with their sole defeat coming in the League Cup against Everton.

West Ham has also displayed consistency, going undefeated in their last four matches, winning three of them. This suggests that their newfound stability will be put to the test in this game.

Goals are likely to be the decisive factor in this matchup, as both teams have shown proficiency in scoring. Aston Villa's season highlight includes a 6-1 victory over Brighton, underscoring their ability to find the back of the net.

West Ham, too, has scored at least twice in each of their last three matches, indicating that they won't let Aston Villa keep a clean sheet, and it's reasonable to expect at least three goals in this fixture.

Take over 3 goals

Augsburg is traveling to Heidenheim in hopes of securing some points against a team poised to spring surprises.

The hosts find themselves in midtable after an impressive start to the season, holding a two-point advantage over Augsburg as they approach this match.

The visitors have managed only one victory in the league over the course of seven matches, and notably, this win did not occur on the road, highlighting their struggles away from home.

This could serve as a source of motivation for Heidenheim, who have demonstrated strong home form thus far, winning two of their three league matches in front of their home crowd. They secured a 1-0 victory in their last home game against Union Berlin, while scoring six goals in the previous two matches, demonstrating their attacking capabilities.

Augsburg has not suffered defeat against Heidenheim in their last three encounters, although it's important to note that these matches were all friendlies. However, Augsburg's poor away form is evident, with four losses in their last four competitive away games, during which they have conceded ten goals while scoring just once.

Consequently, Heidenheim will likely fancy their chances of finding the back of the net in this game, but it would be wrong to underestimate Augsburg who most likely views this as a game they can pick points up from.

All things considered, I see both teams scoring and for this game to have at least three goals in it.

Take over 2.75 goals

This is a significant game for both sides. On paper, Arsenal seems to have a great chance of taking all three points. However, Chelsea has found decent form after a stuttering start to the season and will be determined to get something from this game in front of their own fans.

Picking the outright winner in this game is tricky, and it's a bet I have avoided due to the many pitfalls involved. Nonetheless, there is still a very good bet to be had, and that is under 2.5 goals.

Firstly, both teams' defenses are in great shape. Arsenal has only conceded six goals in the Premier League this season, and despite their mixed results, Chelsea has only conceded seven goals.

Chelsea's primary problem has been scoring goals, making it easy to see them struggling to break down the formidable Arsenal defense. To some degree, the same applies the other way around. Chelsea has been strong defensively, while Arsenal has not been very prolific in front of goal, except in just a couple of games. For example, in two of their three away games this season, they only managed to score once.

All things considered, I am going for under 2.5 goals.

If you look at the league standings, you could be forgiven for thinking that there is very little difference between the sides, with Newcastle on 13 points and Crystal Palace on 12 points. However, that does give a false impression of where the two teams are heading.

While Palace did record a 1-0 away win at Man Utd recently, that had far more to do with the poor form United has been in and can be considered a one-off. Palace's other recent results have not been exactly inspiring, with a couple of 0-0 draws against Nottingham Forest and Fulham and a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa.

Newcastle, on the other hand, has seen an upturn in form since their poor start to the season, winning three of their last four games, including an 8-0 win over Sheffield United.

With their home fans behind them and their good recent form, I cannot see anything other than a Newcastle win. The only question for me was, can they beat the spread? I believe they can and will do.

Take Newcastle United -1.25.

Saturdays are always very busy days for soccer, and it is never easy to find standout bets with so much information overload. However, every now and then, one pops out that screams opportunity, and the Darmstadt vs. RB Leipzig match does just that.

Looking at the results of both teams, it soon became very clear to me that goals—lots of them—are associated with both of these teams and the games they play.

For example, six out of Darmstadt's seven Bundesliga games have all had at least three goals, with five of those having at least four goals. Similarly, five out of RB Leipzig's seven Bundesliga games this campaign have also had at least three goals, with three of those having at least four goals.

Based on these figures, I am going for over three goals in this game. All the ingredients are there for an abundance of goals, and that is what I expect will occur today.

Take over 3 goals.

I have watched both of these teams on numerous occasions this season, and the feeling I have taken away from their games is that I have been impressed with the Jaguars for the most part and disappointed with the Saints. I believe this trend will continue this evening.

New Orleans does have the home advantage; however, they also had home advantage against Tampa Bay, and that did not work out too well for them. Truth be told, the Caesars Superdome has not been a fortress for quite some time.

The Jaguars have won all their road games this season, although two of those were in London, even if they were considered the home side in one of those games. The point is that Jacksonville is not shrinking violets when they are playing in the opponent's stadium.

Moreover, Jacksonville has also secured some impressive wins this season, most notably their victory over the Bills in London, whereas the Saints have looked lackluster, except for their win over the Patriots.

All things considered, I am backing the Jaguars to cover the spread this evening.

This is going to be a one-sided affair, of that I am sure, however, I am not as confident that the Bills will cover the spread.

The Bills have run out convincing winners a couple of times this season but they have already not played to the standard that one expects from them and therein lies my apprehension backing them to beat a 15-point spread.

The Giants have been hammered a number of times but like the Bills, they do occasionally defy expectations, which in their case is low.

The Bills may well run out massive winners but there is also a good chance that the Giants will get a couple of TDs and that is what I am banking on.

In my view, there is more chance of this game having at least 44 points as opposed to the Bills covering the spread.

Take over 43.5 points

I cannot see anything other than an Eagles win and this matchup came down to whether Philadelphia would beat the Jets by at least a touchdown and I am very confident they will do so.

The Eagles have beaten everything that has been put in their way, they stand at 5-0 and rank among the favorites for the Super Bowl, that is not something that you can say about the Jets who are 2-3.

The Eagles do make it difficult for themselves on occasion but if they are in the mood they have the capability to beat New York convincingly and I believe they have the motivation to do just that.

The Jets did start the season off with a very surprising win over the Bills but they then went on a three-game losing streak and even though they did get back to winning last week against the Broncos, I feel that just masked over their inadequacies.

All things considered, I am going with the Eagles to cover the spread.

I am going to give the Raiders one last chance against a poor Patriots outfit.

The Raiders are hit and miss and with the right coaching they could and should have been in positive figures this season, they are a team that shoots themselves in the foot more than any other team.

The Patriots are 1-4 for a reason, they are just not that good a team, they have conceded 72 points over their last two games scoring just three, which is horrendous and I just do not see it turning around any time soon.

The Raiders are not a top side for sure but they showed character in beating the Packers after a three-game losing streak and I see them making it two from two tonight.

Take the Raiders to cover the spread.

There is a clear gulf between these two sides and everything came down to how much the 49ers would win by.

Having watched both these sides regularly this season I am convinced that the 49ers will win this game by double digits.

The Browns have disappointed me so far and I have seen nothing that tells me that they will make this game competitive,

The 49ers are among my favourites to win the Super Bowl this year and that will show today.

Take the 49ers to cover the spread

I have been impressed by Houston this season, well, by the standards of what was expected. Truth is that I did not see them performing anywhere what they have done so far and there is no reason why they cannot continue how they are doing.

They are unlikely to make the play offs but the fact that it is regarded as unlikely and not impossible tells you how far they have come.

New Orleans is doing more or less what I expected, they are not setting the world alight and are very beatable. Put it this way, I do not see them having that much better of a season than the Texans based on what I have seen so far.

With home advantage, I am backing the Texans to cover the spread.

This game is being played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London so there really is no home advantage and that is one factor that I can leave out of my analysis.

In fact, when games are played outside the USA a lot of factors go out of the window, some teams react differently to playing at what is essentially a neutral venue.

I have watched both sides this season and a lot of my belief in this game comes down to the eye test and to be honest, I have come to the conclusion that there is not that much between them.

I did look at the totals but found that it was fairly well set and it was a toss up which way the game would go.

So, I see a very even game with the totals set about right but not the spread, that is where I feel that I can take advantage.

Because I see a tight game with very little between the sides based on my analysis it made sense to go with the Titans receiving 5.5 points, I simply do not see the Ravens beating them by that score, if they beat them at all.

Take the Titans +5.5 points

This one was a very tricky one for me. Kansas will win, of that I have no doubts but beating the spread is where I stumble, I suspect they will but my confidence in that actually happening is not in a place I would feel comfortable with, I just have this sneaky feeling that tonight may be a bit closer than most people probably think.

If the Chiefs are in the mood they could easily win by 20 or more points but too often they get wins that are much closer than they should have been, for example, beating the Jets by just 3 points, the Lions by one and the Vikings by seven. Yes, all wins but by less than what I anticipated.

Denver is a poor side, only beating the Bears this season and they should not really be a match for the Chiefs but if I am honest, my opinion is based far less on the Bronco's capabilities and more on the complacency of Kansas.

When I first analysed this game I had it in my mind that the totals would be set at 50-51 so when I saw it available at 47 I was surprised. Let me give you some examples of why I feel that, in the five games that Denver has played only once have we seen less than 50 points, even when they got annihilated by the Dolphins, they still managed to get 20 points on the board.

Strangely, the Chiefs are generally involved in low-scoring games with only one going over 50 points but that was on their home ground and I am of the belief that they are more "up for it" with their fans behind them.

All things considered, I am backing this game to have at least 50 points in it and therefore going over 47 points is the obvious bet.

In Green Bay and Las Vegas, we have two very average teams and some will say two very poor teams and it is hard to argue with them.

It will come down to small differences this evening and when I analyse it all, my determination is that it is the Raiders that hold the slight edge and will emerge as the victors.

There is the home advantage of course and while it can be pointed out that the Raiders have lost already at the Allegiant stadium this season, they have only played there once in this campaign and a passionate home crowd cannot easily be dismissed.

I also feel that the Raiders would have done better if they were coached better, my opinion of Josh McDaniels is as low as it gets but I am hopeful that he will have learned from some of the mistakes he has made this season.

Then there is the QB situation, the Raiders expect Jimmy Garoppolo back tonight and while he is hardly at the top level I am of the opinion that he has a little more about him than Jordan Love.

The Raiders also have Devante Adams who seems to thrive on big evening games.

These are all small details and on their own not enough to have full confidence but added together, home advantage, Garoppolo returning and Adams in the spotlight give me the confidence to back the Raiders to cover the spread.

The 49ers have been one of the most impressive teams this season, boasting a 4-0 record and an ability to score consistently. While they are strong contenders for the Super Bowl, it doesn't necessarily mean they will dominate the Cowboys in this game.

San Francisco's strong record notwithstanding, the Cowboys have performed well this season with a 3-1 record. On their best days, they have the potential to defeat any team, but the challenge lies in predicting when those days will occur.

It's likely that the 49ers will come out as victors in this matchup, but there's a degree of uncertainty in backing them to cover the spread, even with home advantage.

The Cowboys have a knack for surprising even the best teams, and for that reason, I'm more inclined to focus on the total points scored in this game.

Both teams have demonstrated their ability to put up points, and their defenses can also be effective. However, in this matchup, I don't anticipate the defenses having the upper hand. Instead, I see the offenses prevailing, leading to a high-scoring game.

Given this expectation, I recommend taking the over on the total points, set at 44.5.

The Eagles are off to an impressive start with a 4-0 record, while the Rams have had a somewhat inconsistent season with a 2-2 record. Although the Rams have the advantage of playing at home, I still believe the Eagles will extend their winning streak to 5-0.

However, I do have reservations about whether Philadelphia will cover the spread; it's not something I'm entirely convinced of.

What I'm more confident about is the total points scored in the game. I believe the total has been set too low at 50 points. Both teams have demonstrated their ability to score in the mid-20s or more in previous games.

Even in their matchup against the 49ers, the Rams scored 23 points, indicating they can put up a respectable score against a strong opponent like the Eagles. Philadelphia has consistently scored 25 points or more this season, surpassing 30 points on two occasions.

Considering these factors, I am highly confident that this game will have more than 50 points scored in total.

Take over 50 points

Brann has been on a remarkable winning streak, claiming victory in their last six Eliteserien matches. In their most recent outing, they triumphed over Lillestrøm with a convincing 2-0 scoreline. 

Vålerenga finds themselves in a perilous position, teetering just three points above the relegation zone. With 24 points and seven matches remaining, every point is crucial for Vålerenga's survival hopes. They come into this match on the back of a vital 2-1 victory over Sandefjord.

Vålerenga has faced challenges at Intility Arena this season, registering two wins, two draws, and seven losses in 11 Eliteserien contests. However, they come into this match aiming to extend their three-match unbeaten streak at home since August 13.

Brann, meanwhile, has performed well away from home this season, securing five wins, one draw, and five losses in league matches. 

On paper, you could easily go for Brann but Vålerenga has seen a lift in their form recently losing just once in their last six games and while Brann has much better form they are coming up against a team that is desperate to avoid relegation playing at home and seeing a resurgence in form.

I am backing Vålerenga to get the win today in front of their own fans.

At the start of the season, I predicted that the Texans would have another miserable season, and their first two games of this campaign confirmed that belief.

However, a convincing win over the Jaguars in week three marked the beginning of a revival for Houston. Some, including myself, thought that it might have been a one-off performance, but the way they dismantled the Steelers last week has shown that there may well be something special happening in Houston.

On the other hand, Atlanta has experienced the opposite trajectory. They won their first two games of the season and likely started thinking about playoff glory. However, things have taken a downturn with two consecutive losses against Detroit and Jacksonville.

In my view, this game is about two teams heading in different directions, and I'm backing the side that's on the upswing, which is Houston.

I predict the Texans to win outright.

The Giants haven't shown themselves to be a particularly strong team, and when they allow their opponents to score, they tend to give up a significant number of points. Aside from their one victory over Arizona, they have struggled to be competitive this season.

The Dolphins faced a tough challenge against the Bills in their previous game, and Buffalo is considered a top-tier team and one of the favorites for the Super Bowl. Prior to that game, Miami was on a three-game winning streak and had been scoring consistently.

In my assessment, it's difficult to envision anything other than a Miami victory today. The main question for me was whether they would cover the spread, and I am very confident that they will even though it is a double-digit spread

My prediction is for Miami to cover the spread.

A thrilling showdown awaits football fans as Arsenal hosts defending champions Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday. Both teams enter this marquee match brimming with confidence, thanks to their impressive starts to the Premier League season. With the top spot in the league on the line, the stage is set for a battle of footballing giants.

Manchester City's campaign hit a minor bump in the road when they suffered their first league defeat of the season, losing 2-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium in their last league outing. 

Arsenal, on the other hand, is enjoying a fantastic start to the season. In their last Premier League match, they dismantled Bournemouth 4-0 at the Vitality Stadium, extending their unbeaten run to seven games.

In their most recent Premier League meeting last season at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City prevailed with a convincing 4-1 victory over Arsenal.  Manchester City has dominated this fixture in recent years, going unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League matches against Arsenal, winning 13 times.

And therein lies the difference between these two sides regardless of form. Man City consistently beat Arsenal whether it is home or away and even though Arsenal is in great form I still do not see them getting a result against City today.

City are also in great form, they did lose last weekend but since then went away in Europe and beat RB Leipzig to show that the surprising loss last weekend was nothing more than a one-off.

It is Man City for me today.

The Eliteserien is heating up as Bodø/Glimt, the league leaders, travel to face Molde, who are vying for a crucial spot in the Conference League Qualifiers next season. 

Bodø/Glimt has been on a remarkable run, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches. In their last league outing, they defeated Strømsgodset 2-0 at home, cementing their position at the top of the table. Their eyes are firmly set on securing the Eliteserien title.

Molde is locked in a fierce battle for a spot in the Conference League Qualifiers next season. Their recent form has been impressive, going undefeated in 12 matches. In their last Eliteserien match, they dispatched Viking 4-0 at home, underlining their determination to achieve their objectives.

The previous Eliteserien fixture between these sides in July ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Molde has been a force to be reckoned with at Aker Stadion this season, boasting eight wins, two draws, and just one loss in 11 Eliteserien contests. On the other hand, Bodø/Glimt has displayed their quality away from home, with eight wins, two draws, and two losses in league matches.

The clash between Bodø/Glimt and Molde promises to be a thrilling encounter that could have far-reaching consequences for both teams' ambitions in the Eliteserien. Bodø/Glimt seeks to maintain their lead at the top, while Molde is determined to secure a spot in the Conference League Qualifiers. 

Everything about this match screams goals, you have two teams desperate for the points and both know how to find the back of the net.

The totals is quite high but I am convinced we will see at least four goals in this game.

Aston Villa has been in electrifying form, exemplified by their stunning 6-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in their last league match. This triumph marked their third consecutive win.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, while not as high in the table as their rivals, have shown signs of resurgence. In their last Premier League outing, they secured an impressive 2-1 victory at home against Manchester City, ending a three-match winless streak. This win will undoubtedly inject fresh confidence into the team as they prepare to face their West Midlands counterparts.

In their previous Premier League meeting at Molineux Stadium last season, Wolves emerged victorious, winning 1-0.  Wolves have had the upper hand, being unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches against Aston Villa (W3 D2 L0). 

Both teams are riding high on their recent form. Aston Villa aims to continue their impressive run, while Wolves seek to build on their morale-boosting win over Manchester City.

This is going to be a close match for sure but with Wolves at home I feel they have the advantage and I am backing them to win this Midland derby.

Take Wolves to win

Liverpool began the season with a flourish, marching into the Premier League with a six-match unbeaten streak. However, their recent form took a hit as they faced Tottenham Hotspur in their last league match. The Reds stumbled to a 2-1 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking their first league loss of the season.

Brighton's most recent Premier League outing saw them on the receiving end of a humbling 6-1 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park. This loss came on the heels of a three-match winning streak and they have since bounced back with a very credible 2-2 away draw at Marseille in Europe.

In the context of recent encounters, Brighton holds the upper hand, having secured a resounding 3-0 victory against Liverpool at The American Express Community Stadium last season. 

Brighton's form at The AMEX Stadium this season has been impressive, with three wins and just one loss in four Premier League contests. The home crowd support and the familiarity of their own turf have undoubtedly played a role in their strong home performances.

On the road, Liverpool has secured two wins, registered one draw, and suffered one loss in league matches this season. 

These two sides are very attack-minded, for a variety of reasons both will be desperate for the win, Liverpool will want to put last week's controversial loss at Tottenham behind them and of course, Brighton will want to erase the memory of their 6-1 loss to Aston Villa quickly.

This has all the ingredients of a high-scoring game and I am happy to back over 3.5 goals.

Sevilla has an opportunity to narrow the gap between them and the top half of the league table when they host Rayo Vallecano in their upcoming match.

Despite winning the Europa League last season, Sevilla, one of the renowned Spanish giants, has struggled in recent times. Their start to this season mirrors their previous one, and they come into this fixture with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. In La Liga, they have suffered more losses than victories in the current campaign.

Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, has been performing reasonably well despite the departure of their charismatic manager to Bournemouth in the Premier League. They currently occupy the 8th position on the league table, having secured three wins and three draws from eight matches. They have shown resilience in avoiding defeats, registering draws in their last three competitive games prior to this match.

Although Rayo Vallecano has only managed one win in their last four matches, they are far from an easy opponent to beat. However, Sevilla has shown strength at home recently, having not lost any of their last three home games, winning two of them. This gives them confidence and puts them in a favorable position to secure a comfortable victory in front of their fans once again.

Take Sevilla to cover the spread

Crystal Palace earned an impressive 1-0 victory against Manchester United in their previous Premier League match and are eager to build on that success in their upcoming game against Nottingham Forest.

While Crystal Palace is generally considered a stable team in the Premier League, they faced a tough spell before the Manchester United game, losing two out of their three recent matches.

On the other hand, Nottingham Forest has struggled to find form lately, managing only one win in their last five games and failing to secure a victory in their past three matches. Although they began the season with promising performances against strong opponents, they have since encountered difficulties in winning matches.

The upcoming clash against Palace offers Nottingham Forest an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to produce positive results, and we anticipate them putting up a strong fight.

Nevertheless, Crystal Palace's victory at Old Trafford has made them the favorites. If they can triumph in such a challenging away fixture, winning at home against a lower-quality opponent should be an easier task.

Crystal Palace boasts an impressive home record, losing only one out of their three home games this season.

All things considered I am backing Palace to take the win

Juventus is set to take on Torino in the first Turin derby of the season, with the Old Lady aiming to maintain a strong position in the Italian league table. In their previous match, Juventus dropped valuable points in a goalless draw against Atalanta, emphasizing the need for an improved performance in this upcoming game.

Torino, historically overshadowed by their more successful neighbors, is eager to make a statement in this rivalry match. Nevertheless, the Allianz Stadium presents a formidable challenge for them, as it has been a historically tough venue for visiting teams.

Juventus has played three league games at home this season, securing two victories and drawing the other against Bologna. Notably, the Old Lady has maintained a strong record against Torino at home, remaining undefeated in their last ten meetings and winning seven of those fixtures.

Torino enters this game in less than ideal-form, having failed to secure a victory in their last three matches across all competitions. They are well aware that Juventus is a significantly tougher opponent than their recent adversaries and understand the importance of delivering their best performance to achieve a positive result.

Considering Juventus' home advantage and their determination not to drop points at this stage of the season, they are expected to secure a comfortable victory in this match.

Take Juventus to cover the spread

Viking continues its intense battle with Bodo Glimt for the Norwegian league crown and is determined to secure all three points in their upcoming visit to Odd.

Odd, on the other hand, finds itself comfortably in mid-table and doesn't have any significant stakes left to pursue at this stage of the season. Nevertheless, they are not expected to simply hand victory over to the title contenders, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive match.

Viking has spent most of the season locked in a tight race with Bodo Glimt for the top spot in the league and understands that there is no room for error in their pursuit of the championship. Their recent loss to Molde was a surprising setback, particularly after an impressive unbeaten streak of over ten games, which included a victory over Bodo Glimt. To maintain their title aspirations, they must avoid repeating such performances.

Despite Odd's recent struggles, with just one victory in their last five games, Viking cannot underestimate their opponent. Odd has notched only one win in their last three home matches.

Viking's away form has been exceptional, with just one defeat in six away fixtures, claiming victory in the other five. This record fills them with confidence, and they are well-positioned to secure another win in this fixture. 

Take Viking to win

After a challenging week, Manchester United has another opportunity to secure three points before the international break. The Red Devils have faced consecutive losses, both at home, against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray leading up to this fixture. This season has been demanding for Erik Ten Hag, and the Dutch manager is likely feeling the pressure.

Manchester United will take on Brentford in what promises to be another exciting encounter, given Brentford's reputation for being a formidable opponent. Thomas Frank's team has struggled in recent weeks, enduring a winless streak of five games, with three losses. Their recent draw against Nottingham Forest was a positive result after a string of disappointing performances, and they will be eager to build on it in this match.

Brentford will be without Ivan Toney, but they understand the urgency of obtaining positive results before his return, as relegation from the Premier League looms as a possibility. The Bees will take heart in the statistics showing Manchester United's struggles at home, having lost three of their last four home matches, making Old Trafford a favorable hunting ground for any opponent.

However, it's unlikely that Manchester United will make it easy for Brentford, especially considering that both teams have scored over 2.75 goals in four of United's last five home matches. This suggests that the match is likely to be an exciting and high-scoring affair.

Take over 2.75 goals

Ipswich, currently in excellent form, is gearing up for a challenging match against Preston, who are closely trailing them in the Championship table.

Ipswich's remarkable performance has ignited hopes among their fans of a potential return to the Premier League, and they will feel the pressure to secure a victory in this crucial fixture. Preston, positioned third in the league standings, is trailing their hosts by five points and recognizes this as an opportunity to narrow the gap.

The stakes are high, and neither team can afford to drop points, intensifying the competition.

Ipswich boasts an impressive seven-game unbeaten streak in the league, having won six of these matches and not suffered a single defeat—a remarkable start to the season.

On the other hand, Preston arrives for this encounter on the back of consecutive losses to league leaders Leicester City and West Brom, conceding a total of seven goals without finding the back of the net. This vulnerability at the back should boost Ipswich, a team known for its goal-scoring prowess, having netted 12 goals in their last five competitive matches, including a thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolves in the Carabao Cup.

Considering the defensive frailty of the visitors and the attacking proficiency of the hosts, I anticipate at least three goals in this match.

Take over 2.5 goals

Liverpool has been all over the news this week following their very controversial loss away at Tottenham at the weekend. They had two men sent off and a perfectly legitimate goal ruled out due to a communication error in the video replay studio and they are a very angry side.

They feel the world is against them and so do their fans, there will be a reaction this evening and it is the Belgium outfit Union Saint-Gilloise that could be on the end of a very significant beating.

However, emotion can sometimes get in the way of performance and Liverpool's defense has not been solid this season, albeit they played heroically with 9 men against Tottenham. But overall, the defense has not been as good as it could be, always leaking goals even when they win.

Liverpool will win but I am not 100% confident they will cover the spread, they would have to win by 3 to do that.

That said, I do expect them to get at least three goals but I also expect the Belgiums to find the back of the net as well and even if they don't then that would mean it has been all one-way traffic and therefore, it would not surprise me if Liverpool scored four or more goals.

This is going to be one of those games in which Liverpool either wins by a significant margin or they win by one or two goals because their opponents also scored.

Either way, I am confident we will see at least four goals in this game.

Back over 3.5 goals

Brighton & Hove Albion is gearing up to face Olympique Marseille, and all eyes are on whether Brighton can secure their first win in the tournament

Both teams are hungry for a victory, but their recent performances tell different stories. Marseille has struggled, managing only one win in their last six matches in all competitions. They've drawn three times and suffered two losses during this period, showing inconsistency in their play. While they've scored eight goals, their defense has let in 11.

Brighton, on the other hand, has a brighter recent record. They've won three out of their last six matches, showcasing their ability to secure victories. However, a notable one-off loss to Aston Villa, where they conceded six goals, stands out in their recent form. 

The 6-1 loss to Villa is a one-off, but it is still a result that is hard to come back from and if there is one stadium you really do not want to travel to in Europe it is Marseille, their fans and the atmosphere is on another level.

Brighton is bruised end even though Marseille are not in great form I cannot see the Seagulls getting an away win, we saw last night when Arsenal lost away to Lens, who are 15th in their league, that it is very difficult to travel way in Europe and get a result.

Back Marseille to claim the win

It is very difficult to see anything other than a win for AEK Athens in this Europa League clash.

Ajax have been woeful this season, the only thing going for them is their name and brand but once you take that away and look at their performances you soon realise they are a shadow of the team that has come before.

AEK Athens won away at Premier League Brighton in their first Europa League game and that was when Brighton was in red hot form, that was a very impressive result and watching the game I have to admit, I was surprised at how organised the Greek side was.

I have also watched Ajax this season on a number of occasions and they are just poor, they have zero confidence and with this game being played in Athens it screams home win for me.

Back AEK Athens to cover the spread

In my opinion, the key factor in this game revolves around the defenses, which I find to be unreliable and not particularly competent. Let's examine the number of points each side has conceded so far.

The Seahawks have allowed 30, 31, and 27 points in their three games, while the Giants have conceded 40, 28, and 30 points. By any measure, these numbers are not favorable.

Of course, it's not as straightforward as that. For instance, the Giants have faced tough opponents in the Cowboys and 49ers, both known for their ability to score high points. However, Seattle hasn't really encountered teams that should be capable of scoring such high numbers against a competent defense.

Nevertheless, regardless of the teams they face or the circumstances, consistently allowing high scores is still a cause for concern.

Regarding picking a winner for this game, I cannot do so with confidence, and neither does the point spread appear particularly enticing. However, the total points scored does.

Considering that both defenses have struggled to contain their opponents, I am confident that we will witness a high-scoring game. Therefore, I am betting on the overs.

Take over 47 points

This game features two teams that are currently struggling to accumulate points in the standings, which is somewhat expected for Fulham but surprising for Chelsea. It's worth noting that this is a derby, so the element of bragging rights adds extra significance to the match.

Chelsea, while not playing terribly overall, have been plagued by their inability to score goals. This issue has resulted in them having only five points from six games. However, their defense has been solid, conceding only one goal less than Arsenal and Manchester City, and fewer than Liverpool.

Fulham, on the other hand, have displayed their typical inconsistency. Their primary focus is on retaining their position in the division, and this often reflects in their style of play, especially when they are at home.

On paper, Chelsea appears to be the stronger team. However, their scoring woes and solid defense cannot be overlooked. Considering Fulham's home advantage, facing a superior opponent that they may struggle to score against but who also has difficulty finding the net, it seems like the ingredients for a stalemate are in place.

Take the draw

Sassuolo is currently in ninth place with nine points from six matches. They secured a 2-1 victory in their last Serie A game against Inter Milan, following a remarkable 4-2 win over Juventus.

In contrast, Monza hasn't been as productive lately, with their most recent game ending in a goalless draw against Bologna. They currently sit in 16th place with just six points.

In their previous Serie A encounter, Monza came out on top with a 2-1 scoreline. However, this season, both teams are on different paths.

Sassuolo's last four Serie A matches have all seen at least three goals with them regularly finding the net and conceding.

Monza's games this season have generally been low-scoring affairs. Still, they may believe they can secure a positive result in this game. This leads me to believe that we will witness an open and attacking style of football, which often results in goals.

Sassuolo should win but I do see Monza scoring at least once.

Taking everything into consideration, I am taking over 3 goals for this match.

With the Chiefs finally starting to click and the Jets without Aaron Rodgers, it would be fairly easy to see this game going in favor of Kansas, and for them to easily cover the spread. However, that's where I hesitate, as I feel the spread has been set almost perfectly.

I acknowledge that Kansas demolished Chicago, but the Jets are not the Bears. They have a stronger defense and, even more importantly, possess a good offense even without Rodgers and Zach Wilson struggling as his replacement.

Do I see Kansas winning? Yes, I do, but I'm not convinced they will cover the spread. I believe that the Jets will put up a good number of points on the scoreboard, and that will motivate the Chiefs.

For me, taking a side on the spreads felt like taking a guess, but when I looked at the total points line, this game just screamed "overs."

My thinking is simple: I can see the Jets getting close to 20 points, and if that happens, the total points scored will be over 41.

Take the over 41

Josh McDaniels came under immense criticism this week for his very strange call last week to go for a field goal when the Raiders really needed a touchdown, and rightfully so. For me, he epitomizes Las Vegas and the way they play, a team lacking the right mentality, and that always costs you in the end.

The Chargers have hardly set the world alight themselves, with a 1-2 record, same as the Raiders. However, they have far more about them. At least they have the right mentality and finally got off the mark with a win over the Vikings last week.

I see two teams heading in different directions here. The Chargers will get better, whereas I have zero confidence in Las Vegas doing anything of note this season.

The question for me was, "Are the Chargers a touchdown better than the Raiders?" and the answer is a resounding yes.

Take the Chargers -6

Two teams without a win so far this season, and despite playing at home, I expect it to be more misery for the Panthers.

Carolina expects to have rookie quarterback Bryce Young back, but I am not sure it will make too much difference. They are, at best, a very mediocre team, and it will take a lot more than Young returning to turn their season around.

The Vikings have been error-prone, that is for sure, and have shot themselves in the foot on numerous occasions. However, that can be turned around because they do have the talent.

If the Vikings can cut out the turnovers and support Kirk Cousins, then they will win this game by a lot more than what the spread suggests.

This is about faith for me, and I do have it in the Vikings but not in the Panthers.

Take the Vikings -4.5.

The Texans stunned the Jaguars last week and will be looking to make it two wins in a row, but I just do not see that happening; lightning rarely strikes twice.

One area where Houston will find little joy this week is against the Pittsburgh defense. They are a solid unit, generally speaking, and I see the Texans struggling all game long against Pittsburgh. I cannot see them putting too many points on the board, no matter how much confidence they have after last week.

This all came down to the spread for me, and when I saw that the Steelers were only giving up 3 points, I knew this would be my bet of the weekend, and I would be all over it like a rash.

I expect Pittsburgh to win this quite comfortably, and it would not surprise me if Mike Tomlin's men emerge as winners by double digits.

Take the Steelers -3.

Two of Serie A's early-season powerhouses are gearing up for an exciting clash this Sunday, as Atalanta and Juventus brace themselves for a thrilling showdown.

Both teams enter the contest with momentum, having secured 1-0 victories in their previous league outings. Juventus currently sit in fourth place, while Atalanta occupies the fifth position.

In Atalanta's last five home games three of them have featured at least three goals, the same stat applies to Juventus in their last five away games with three of those also featuring at least three goals.

Both sides are in form and determined to mount a title challenge and an open game is fully expected, this will in turn see goals, especially where Juventus is concerned with their inconsistent defence.

All things considered, I am confident that we will see at least three goals in this fixture.

Take over 2.5 goals 

A crucial Eliteserien clash is on the horizon as Sandefjord and Valerenga battle it out at the Jotun Arena later today. Both teams find themselves in a fierce struggle to avoid relegation, with identical point totals of 21, though Sandefjord holds the 12th position due to a superior goal difference, while Vålerenga sits in 13th place.

Sandefjord lost last time out 4-3 but that was away at leaders Viking, a very respectable result considering who their opponents were. Valerenga also lost in their last game 4-2 against Bodo Glimt, also not a bad result despite losing. 

When it comes to home performance, Sandefjord has shown strength, winning four and drawing four out of their 10 league matches at Jotun Arena. Conversely, Valerenga has struggled on the road, securing only two wins out of their 10 away league matches this season.

With home advantage and a better home record than what Valerenga boasts on the road it is Sandefjord that looks the more likely winner.

Valerenga are the favourites but I make them false favourites and that has created a market of value in terms of Sandefjord.

Take Sandefjord to win

The London Series kicks off with the Jacksonville Jaguars facing the Atlanta Falcons.

The Jaguars are coming off a shocking loss to the Houston Texans last week, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence failing to meet the high expectations placed on him this season.

The Falcons also suffered a loss last week after opening the season with two wins. However, quarterback Desmond Ridder is experiencing difficulties, leading to a heavier reliance on Atlanta's running game.

The Jaguars seem better positioned to return to the winning column. It's challenging to imagine them performing as poorly as they did last week, and I have more confidence in Lawrence's ability to rebound compared to Ridder.

Furthermore, the Jaguars' defense appears stronger than the Falcons', and they should be able to effectively contain Atlanta's running game.

With these factors in mind, I'm confident that the Jaguars will secure the victory and cover the spread.

Take the Jaguars -3

Nottingham Forest and Brentford have both experienced varying degrees of success at the start of this season.

Forest's last game saw them go down 2-0 away at Champions Man City, a game in which they were rather competitive and they would not have left that game with their heads down.

Brentford are struggling at the moment and are now on a four-game winless streak but it is the way they have been playing that is the biggest disappointment, for example, they lost 3-1 at home to Everton last week in a really poor display.

Forest have not been doing much better result wise but their performances have been better and you can see that they are not too far away from picking up points.

Based on what I have watched recently we have two teams here on different trajectories, Forest on one side, despite the results, look more fluent and solid, whereas Brentford look like a team in a downward spiral.

With home advantage I expect Forest to emerge as the winner.

Back Forest to win

Arasen Stadion is set to host an intriguing Eliteserien clash this Sunday, pitting Lillestrøm against Brann. These two teams have experienced contrasting fortunes in recent weeks, making this match all the more compelling.

Brann enters the contest riding a wave of success, having secured victory in their last five matches, while Lillestrøm has only managed to win two of their last six league fixtures. However, Lillestrøm boasts an impressive home record this season, with seven wins out of 11 Eliteserien matches.

Brann has won their last two away games, however, prior to that they lost three on the bounce on the road and in their last seven away games they have registered four losses.

Lillestrom at home have won five of their last seven games and four of the last five and that single home loss in the last five matches was against league leaders Viking.

Brann does have the better overall form but when you narrow it down to home and away form, Lillestrom has the superior record and once you throw in home advantage it is a Lillestrom win for me.

Take Lillestrom to win

Union Saint-Gilloise is riding high in third place with 16 points in the Belgium first division, just two points shy of the league leaders, Gent. In contrast, Charleroi finds themselves in the 14th position, having accumulated seven points.

Sporting Charleroi has experienced a poor start to the season, managing only one win in their first eight league matches, while Union Saint-Gilloise has been in better form this season, securing victory in five of their eight games. Furthermore, they boast an undefeated record in their last four encounters with Charleroi.

Union Saint-Gilloise had gone winless for three games but they have finally found their form winning again, winning their last two games and that has seen them move up the table significantly and back in front of their own fans they will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce.

Charleroi did win themselves last time out but that was their first win of the season and it is difficult to see them getting anything from this game.

I am backing Union Saint-Gilloise to win and cover the spread.

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are set to continue their strong performances in the Premier League as they face off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today.

Liverpool recently secured a 3-1 victory against West Ham United in their last league match, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season with five wins and one draw. This places them in second place with 16 points from six matches, just two points behind the league leaders, Manchester City.

Tottenham Hotspur currently occupies the fourth position in the standings with 14 points after six matches. Their most recent Premier League outing ended in a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, extending their unbeaten start to the season with four wins and two draws.

As hosts, Tottenham has secured victories in each of their two previous Premier League home matches this season. Liverpool, on the other hand, has maintained an unbeaten record in their away league matches, with two wins and one draw on their travels. 

Liverpool is what we expect, however, Tottenham are a massively different side to what they were last season, they are no longer walkovers and have matched the big teams this season with victory over Man Utd and a draw away at Arsenal.

I expect an entertaining game with goals and I am taking Tottenham to get something from this game today, either a draw or the win and that is why I am backing them on the spread.

Take Tottenham +0.25

In-form Girona will be looking to continue their impressive early-season momentum when they welcome Real Madrid in what promises to be an exciting La Liga clash.

Girona currently tops the La Liga table with 19 points, edging out Real Madrid by just one point after seven matches. In their recent La Liga fixture, Girona secured a 2-1 victory over Villarreal extending their unbeaten start to the season to seven matches.

Real Madrid is of course Real Madrid, a team full of world-class talent and even as the away side they will be desperate to bring Girona down a peg or two.

But that will be easier said than done, Girona has held the upper hand in recent La Liga clashes with Real Madrid, remaining undefeated in their last three meetings.

Girona has been perfect at home this season, boasting three wins in three La Liga contests. They've scored nine goals and conceded three. That averages out at 4 goals per game.

Real Madrid has also performed admirably away from home this season, securing three wins and suffering just one loss in their league matches.

This game is perfectly set up for goals with both sides not struggling to find the back of the net this season and I am confident we will see at least 3 goals in this game, most likely more.

Take over 3 goals

Milan, in excellent form, is set to continue their strong early-season momentum when they welcome Lazio to Stadio Giuseppe Meazza for a Serie A showdown later today

Milan currently occupies the second spot in the Serie A table with 15 points, level with first-placed Internazionale and in their last match they secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Cagliari.

Lazio, on the other hand, is positioned in 11th place with seven points, coming off a 2-0 win against Torino.

In their recent six league matches, Milan has displayed strong form, winning five and losing one, while Lazio has experienced a mixed run with two wins, one draw, and three losses. The stage is set for an exciting encounter at the San Siro, where Milan aims to maintain their momentum, and Lazio seeks to improve their position in Serie A.

I am leaning towards a home win for Milan but I do not see them keeping a clean sheet and based on that I feel that the best bet to have at decent odds is the over 2.5 goals market as the odds on a home win are not that appealing.

Take over 2.5 goals

Everton recently secured their first league victory of the 2023/2024 season, defeating Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium, thereby breaking a five-match winless streak.

Luton Town has accumulated just one point after five games. In their most recent Premier League encounter, Luton played to a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Kenilworth Road, extending their winless start to the league season to five matches.

Everton's home record has been poor failing to earn a point in three Premier League contests at Goodison Park. They have yet to score a goal on their home turf and have conceded three. Everton also has a three-match home losing streak, dating back to their defeat on August 12 against Fulham.

However, since their last home match, they have won two matches on the bounce, one in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup racking up five goals, they have finally found their scoring boots and in front of their home fans, they should continue scoring.

Luton has obviously been in poor form, however, anyone watching them this season will know they have had a lot of chances but have failed to take them, it is just a matter of time before their luck changes and they start getting some goals.

Looking at the stats it would be easy to think this would be a low-scoring affair but the signs are clearly there that these two sides will start scoring more often and against each other, that is exactly what I expect.

Take over 2.5 goals

Preston North End is off to a hopeful start in the Championship season, and their current form is brimming with confidence as they prepare to face West Bromwich Albion.

Preston North End currently holds a solid third place in the Championship table with 20 points, just one point behind the league leaders, Leicester City, after eight matches. 

West Bromwich Albion has encountered some difficulties, with their last Championship match ending in a goalless draw against Millwall at The Hawthorns. This result extended their winless streak to four matches and they currently sit in 13th place with 10 points.

Preston North End has been exceptional on their home turf this season, boasting a perfect record with four wins in four Championship contests at Deepdale. They've scored eight goals and conceded four. 

West Brom, however, has yet to secure a victory away from home this season in league matches, with one loss and three draws on their travels. The Baggies are striving to break a six-match winless streak in away matches 

In their recent six league matches, Preston has been in top form, winning five and drawing one. West Bromwich, on the other hand, has won one, drawn four, and lost one in their last six matches. 

Everything points to a home win and the odds of that happening are just too enticing to ignore and I am confidently backing the home side to collect all three points today.

Take Preston to win

Tromsø is on the brink of securing a place in next season's Conference League Qualifiers and is determined to add three more points to their Eliteserien total as they face a Stabæk side that is focused on improving their chances of avoiding relegation.

In their last Eliteserien outing, Tromsø suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brann placing them in third position with 45 points. They are six points behind the current league leaders, Viking, who occupy a spot in the Champions League qualifiers. Fourth-placed Brann is just three points behind Tromsø in the race for the Conference League Qualifiers.

Stabæk finds themselves in a precarious 15th place with 17 points, four points away from safety, with nine matches remaining.

In their previous Eliteserien encounter, Tromsø emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Stabæk in June.

So, what we have here is a home team fighting to avoid relegation up against a team looking to qualify for Europe next season, in better words two sides that are desperate for the win and that leads me to believe that we will see an open game full of goals

I actually expected the overs to be a lot higher so when I saw it was set at just 2.25 I knew I had to be all over it.

Take over 2.25 goals

Brighton & Hove Albion's recent Premier League fixture concluded with a resounding 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at their home ground, marking their third consecutive win. This impressive performance propelled them to third place in the standings, amassing a total of 15 points from their six matches. Notably, they find themselves merely three points adrift of the league leaders, Manchester City.

On the other hand, Aston Villa currently occupies the sixth position in the table, having secured 12 points after six matches. Their most recent Premier League outing resulted in a hard-fought 1-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Aston Villa has maintained a superior record against Brighton in recent times, going unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings (winning four and drawing one). Brighton aims to secure their first league victory against Villa since November 2020, as Villa has outscored them 8-2 during their unbeaten streak.

As hosts, Aston Villa boasts a perfect record in their two prior Premier League fixtures at Villa Park this season. Impressively, they hold a nine-match winning streak at home, dating back to March 4, when they faced Crystal Palace. 

These are two evenly matched sides, however, Villa has the crucial advantage in that they are playing at home and that is why I am backing the Villians to triumph.

Take Aston Villa to win

In their recent league fixture, Leeds United secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Watford at home, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches.

Southampton faced a setback in their last Championship match, suffering a 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough, which marked their fourth consecutive loss.

When playing at home, Southampton has recorded one win, one draw, and two losses in four Championship contests this season. In contrast, Leeds United has achieved two wins, one draw, and one loss in their away matches in the league this season. 

In their last six league matches, Southampton has secured two wins but has suffered four losses. Meanwhile, Leeds United has exhibited a more consistent form, with three wins and three draws in their last six outings. Both teams will be keen to make an impact in their upcoming clash as they seek to continue their respective trajectories in the Premier League.

On balance, Leeds is clearly the team in better form but they are the away side and Southampton will be desperate to haul themselves out of the poor form they find themselves in.

This sets up an evenly balanced game in which we have one team in front of their home fans desperate for the win and an away side with the momentum, perfect ingredients for a game with goals in it.

Take over 3 goals

The Detroit Lions are on a determined quest to secure their first NFC crown since 1993, and their head coach, Dan Campbell, possesses the leadership to guide them to a division championship.

It's worth highlighting Campbell's impressive track record against the Green Bay Packers, with a 3-1 margin in his favor. I have every confidence that he will further bolster this record in tonight's game.

While Green Bay orchestrated a commendable comeback against the New Orleans Saints in their recent matchup, it's crucial to note that this comeback unfolded after Derek Carr left the field. In Jordan Love, the Packers have a quarterback who exhibits moments of brilliance but often struggles with consistency, with these moments remaining sporadic.

Moreover, I believe that Love's statistics may be somewhat inflated due to the victory over the struggling Chicago Bears, creating a somewhat distorted perception of his overall performance.

Given the stability displayed by the Lions' defense and my reservations about the Packers' offense, I am confident that Detroit will emerge victorious and cover the spread in this game.

Take Detroit to cover the spread.

Due to time constraints, the analysis is minimal today.

A lot depends on the Joe Burrows situation but even with him I see the Bengals continuing to struggle, they are 0-2 for a reason and the idea that they just cannot go 0-3 for no other reason than it is the Bengals is not enough for me.

The Rams are a very different team than the last couple of seasons but they are still getting points on the board, they did very well in the first week and were not disgraced against the 49ers.

Take LA Rams +3

Due to time constraints, the analysis is minimal today.

Two 2-0 teams and for a variety of reasons I fully expect both to get at least 20 points on the board and that means that the overs is a very enticing prospect.

I accept that the Tampa Bay defense is playing well and has not conceded 20 points in a single game this season but I fancy the Eagles to do that, they have certainly been racking up the points when given the opportunity.

Take over 44 points

Two rather mediocre teams, the Steelers and Raiders, have shown this season that on their good days, they can perform well, but at other times, they are susceptible to being overrun.

I have little trust in both teams' defenses and offenses. When you have a scenario like that, you can expect almost anything to happen.

I anticipate seeing lots of mistakes, turnovers, and the occasional moment of brilliance from both sides today. When I have this perspective on a game, it usually results in a high-scoring match.

I have no idea who will win this one; it really could go either way. However, I am of the opinion that both teams will score at least 20 points, and that makes the over 43 points a viable option.

Take the over 43

The Chiefs have been a bit of a disappointment this season, especially their much-vaunted offense. But if they ever needed a perfect opponent to open up against, it's the Chicago Bears.

The Bears are not a very good team, possibly one of the worst last season, and the last team they would want to be facing right now is the reigning Super Bowl champions.

The spread is obviously set rather high, but I firmly believe that the Chiefs will cover it; they are certainly capable of doing so.

This is far more about the Chiefs than the Bears. If Kansas City gets their offense going, this could be a turkey shoot.

Take the Chiefs to cover the spread.

Despite opening the season with two losses, the Broncos are showing signs of improvement, but I still cannot see them outperforming the Dolphins, who are scoring points with relative ease and currently have a 2-0 record.

I really cannot envision anything other than a Dolphins victory here. Their offense is performing exceptionally well, and I don't think the Broncos can keep the score low.

It all boils down to whether the Dolphins will cover the spread. I believe they are at least one touchdown better than the Broncos, so the answer, for me, is yes.

Take the Dolphins to cover the spread.

Two teams that have not started the season as they would have wanted, and both will be absolutely desperate to register their first win of the season.

Having watched both sides, it is Los Angeles that has caught my attention more. They lost in overtime last time out against Tennessee and only fell to the Dolphins by 2 points in the opening week.

That said, the Vikings were hardly overrun in their first two losses, losing by narrow margins to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles.

But for me, it is the Chargers that look more likely to kick on and collect their first win of the season despite the Vikings having home advantage.

Take the Chargers to win

The Bills have been inconsistent this season. One week they struggle, and the next they score with ease.

Washington, on the other hand, is 2-0 with two close victories under their belt, making them a tough opponent. If the Bills play as they did last week, they could hand the Commanders their first loss of the season.

However, it's a big "if," and I lack confidence in the Bills to back them for a win.

What I am confident in, though, is that regardless of the outcome, we'll likely see a high-scoring game with both teams putting up points.

Take the over 43

On Sunday, all eyes will be on Marienlyst Stadion as Molde takes on Strømsgodset in the Norwegian Eliteserien.

Molde primary goal is to secure a spot in European competition for next season. Recent form has been on their side, as they remain undefeated in their last 10 matches. Impressively, they have won their last four consecutive away matches, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.

Strømsgodset has a different objective for the season's conclusion. They aim to finish the campaign on a high note and potentially climb up the standings. However, their recent performance has been marked by inconsistency, with two wins and four losses in their last six matches.

Molde exceptional form and winning streak away from home suggest they have the upper hand against Strømsgodset. Additionally, Molde boasts a favorable historical record against their opponents.

Molde are favorites and should win, however, I do see the home side finding the back of the net at least once and that means we will see a minimum of three goals in this game and that is the bet I am making.

Take over 3 goals

Viking currently occupies the coveted top spot in the league standings, boasting an impressive tally of 44 points. Their ultimate goal is to be crowned champions, and they're well on their way to achieving that feat. Recent weeks have seen them in splendid form, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 matches. A particularly noteworthy statistic is their five consecutive home victories, indicating their dominance on their own turf.

On the other hand, their opponents today Sandefjord find themselves in a precarious position, dwelling in 13th place with 21 points. Their primary objective is to fight for survival near the lower end of the table. However, their recent performance has been marked by inconsistency, with two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six matches. Additionally, their struggles away from home have been evident this season, with just one win in 11 away matches.

There is a huge gulf between these two sides and I cannot see anything other than a home win, the question is by how much and for me, it will be by at least two goals.

Take Viking on the spread.

On Sunday, Åråsen Stadion will bear witness to an Eliteserien showdown as Lillestrøm plays host to Rosenborg. Although both teams are safe from relegation, they have not given up on their ambitions and still have much to strive for.

Lillestrøm currently occupies the seventh spot in the league standings, tallying 33 points. With nine matches remaining in the season, they find themselves trailing third-placed Tromsø by a margin of 12 points in the race for a coveted spot in the Conference League Qualifiers. Meanwhile, Rosenborg sits in eighth place with 29 points, 16 points adrift of the tournament spot.

In recent weeks, Lillestrøm's form has been marked by inconsistency, with two wins, one draw, and three losses in their last six matches. On the other hand, Rosenborg has shown slightly better form, securing three wins, one draw, and suffering two losses during the same period.

Given the relatively even match-up and the fact that both sides have something to play for, this contest is likely to be closely contested. The determination to achieve their respective goals will undoubtedly make for an intense battle on the pitch.

That said, Rosenborg have been more inconsistent away from home than Lillestrom has been at home and that is where I feel the advantage lies with Lillestrom and that is why I am backing them to claim the win today.

Take Lillestrom to cover the spread.

Stamford Bridge will be the stage for a Premier League clash between Chelsea and Aston Villa, two teams whose fortunes in the current season couldn't be more different.

As of now, Chelsea finds themselves in the 14th spot, amassing just five points from their first five matches. They've been grappling with a goal drought, having only found the net seven times across all competitions this season. Their results have also been inconsistent, with only one victory in their five Premier League outings.

On the flip side, Aston Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, has enjoyed a promising start to the campaign. They currently occupy the seventh position with nine points and have been prolific in front of goal, notching an impressive 21 goals across all competitions. In the Premier League, they've secured three victories out of five matches.

Considering Villa's recent track record, particularly their convincing 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge last season, they approach this upcoming fixture with confidence. 

Chelsea must elevate their performance levels, this entails creating more goal-scoring opportunities and displaying clinical finishing. The pressure is undeniably on Chelsea to secure a favorable result, but they are well aware that Villa poses a formidable challenge.

In light of the circumstances, a draw looks the most likely outcome for this match

Take the draw

Today Brighton & Hove Albion host Bournemouth, two teams that have experienced contrasting fortunes in the current season.

Brighton, often referred to as the Seagulls, currently find themselves in a commendable fifth place with an impressive 12 points from their first five matches. Under the stewardship of Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton has made a flying start to the season, securing victory in four of their five Premier League fixtures. Moreover, they've showcased their attacking prowess by netting an impressive 15 goals.

In contrast, Bournemouth has faced a challenging start to the season, occupying the 15th spot with a modest three points. They have struggled to secure wins, with three draws and two losses in their five Premier League matches. Additionally, their goal-scoring tally stands at just five goals.

Brighton approaches the match with high spirits and the confidence that comes with their strong start to the season. Playing on their home turf, they'll be eyeing another victory.

Conversely, Bournemouth faces the task of improving its performance levels, the problem is that they lack the quality to do so against an opponent like Brighton.

Considering the current form and home advantage, Brighton should win by at least a couple of goals and that is the bet I will be placing.

Take Brighton to cover the spread.

Serie A action continues as Udinese welcomes Fiorentina to the Udinese Arena in what promises to be an exciting game.

Fiorentina enters the match with a sense of confidence, having secured victories in their last two outings. On the flip side, Udinese finds themselves on a winless streak, with four consecutive matches without a victory.

Udinese, determined to reverse their fortunes, will be eager to improve upon their slow start to the season. Playing on their home turf, they will be looking to capitalize on their familiar surroundings and secure a positive result against Fiorentina.

Fiorentina, buoyed by their recent winning streak, will be aiming to maintain their momentum. They are well aware of the challenge that Udinese presents, especially in front of their home fans.

With both teams determined to get the win and both likely to score I am backing this match to see at least three goals.

Take over 2.5 goals.

Real Sociedad enters this fixture with an impressive home record, having remained unbeaten in their last 12 matches on their own turf. This remarkable streak makes them formidable opponents for any visiting team. However, their last match ended in defeat at the hands of Real Madrid, and they will be determined to return to winning ways.

Getafe finds themselves on the opposite end of the spectrum, having suffered two consecutive losses in their recent away matches. To achieve a favorable result against Real Sociedad, they must elevate their performance levels significantly, particularly in terms of creating goal-scoring opportunities and capitalizing on them.

Real Sociedad, playing in front of their home fans, will be the favorites to secure victory. The confidence derived from their unbeaten home run and the desire to rebound from their previous defeat should serve as powerful motivators.

In my prediction, I anticipate a closely contested match with Real Sociedad emerging victorious, however, the odds on that are poor, whereas the overs do offer good value.

I expect Getafe to find the back of the net but for the home side to win and that is why I am doing the overs.

Take over 2 goals

Inter Milan journeys to Empoli in what promises to be an intriguing battle.

Inter, currently perched at the top of the table with a perfect record of 12 points, has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season. Empoli finds themselves languishing at the bottom of the Serie A table, yet to secure a single point. 

Given these circumstances, Inter enters the matchup as the unequivocal favorites. Their remarkable form, unblemished record, and goal-scoring prowess make them a formidable force. History is also on their side, as they boast a superior record against Empoli.

Based on this it is very easy to see why Inter is the clear favorites and they really should collect all three points against the hapless Empoli, however, the odds on that happening are rather poor and the spread does not entice me either.

What does interest me is the totals market and I am going for under 3 goals. In both of Empoli's home games this season there have been fewer than 3 goals and that includes against Juventus, Inter's one away game this season in Serie A has also been less than 3 goals.

Take under 3 goals

Heerenveen and Excelsior are poised to lock horns in an Eredivisie showdown as both teams seek to reverse their recent misfortunes.

Heerenveen enters the match on a concerning streak, having suffered defeats in their last three outings. Similarly, Excelsior has been grappling with a four-game winless run. Nonetheless, the attacking prowess of both teams suggests that a high-scoring encounter is in the offing, with my prediction leaning toward a match featuring at least three goals.

Both sides boast an array of attacking talents capable of finding the back of the net.

Furthermore, recent defensive vulnerabilities have plagued both teams. Heerenveen has conceded a total of 11 goals in their last five matches, while Excelsior has let in six goals during their previous five outings.

Considering these factors, the prospect of witnessing a match with at least three goals appears to be quite high.

Take over 3 goals