Feyenoord has overcome a shaky start to their season and is currently in exceptional form. The Dutch champions have won their last three matches with impressive scorelines of 6-1 twice and 5-1, totaling 17 goals in just three league games. This team exudes confidence, and when playing in front of their home fans, they are a formidable force that will be difficult to stop.

On the other hand, Scottish champions Celtic have managed to secure victories in their last couple of games, including a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Rangers. However, despite topping their domestic league, they haven't been as consistent in terms of overall form. For instance, prior to their recent wins, they had a draw at home against St Johnstone and suffered a loss to Kilmarnock.

Feyenoord understands the importance of collecting points at home, especially against teams that aren't considered among the elite. Given the prolific nature of their recent form compared to Celtic's somewhat inconsistent performances, I am confident that Feyenoord emerge victorious in this matchup.

Take Feyenoord to cover the spread

I backed Pittsburgh to cover the spread last week, and they truly disappointed me. Their performance was abysmal, lacking any resilience, and they looked desperate in their 30-7 loss to the 49ers.

Now, it's important to consider the context here. The 49ers are a strong team and one of the favorites for the Super Bowl, so a loss to them isn't the end of the world. However, the way Pittsburgh crumbled against San Francisco was embarrassing.

On the flip side, the Browns exceeded expectations by convincingly defeating the highly-regarded Cincinnati Bengals 24-3. That victory will have undoubtedly boosted their confidence for this game.

However, it's worth noting that Cincinnati had an uncharacteristically poor performance, and the Browns had the advantage of playing at home. The circumstances are different for this game.

Nonetheless, I can't overlook how poorly Pittsburgh performed last week. While they will likely perform better this week with home-field advantage and a less accomplished opponent than the 49ers, it would still require a significant turnaround in form for me to not bet against them.

In my view, the Browns appear to be a solid bet to cover the spread. They are riding high on confidence after their performance against the Bengals, and if they can replicate that level of play or come close to it, they should be able to beat the Steelers.

My pick is to take Cleveland to cover the spread.

I was impressed by the Dolphins last week in their 36-34 win over the Chargers. Yes, their defense has many questions to answer, and no doubt the coaches have worked on that this week. But every time they had the ball, I expected them to score; they looked very potent to me.

The Patriots lost last week 25-20 to the Eagles, and the game was closer than I thought it would be. However, that was mainly due to the Eagles, who I thought had a very mixed game. In other words, I am of the opinion that the Patriots were somewhat flattered to get within 5 points of the Eagles.

I fully expect the Dolphins to be just as strong on offense this week, and if they tighten up their defense, even by a small margin, I expect them to be too strong for the Patriots. I believe the Dolphins will win and cover the spread, which I feel has been set too low.

Take Miami -3

The New York Giants were woeful last week. I saw this game live, and to call their performance dismal is an understatement. There is no way they will do that again this week; well, one has to hope so.

The Cardinals also lost their opening game of the season, but at least they put in more effort in their loss than the Giants did in theirs.

A lot depends on what sort of Giants we see on display today, but no one can have real confidence that they will all of a sudden be world-beaters. Though there has to be some improvement, they simply cannot perform so badly two weeks in a row.

In the preseason, I would have taken the Giants to get the win today, and they may still, but after last week, I have zero confidence in them. Of the two, I believe that the Cardinals will have the better mindset today.

The Giants may win, but not by more than four points, in my opinion, and that is why I am backing the Cardinals receiving four points.

Take Arizona +4 points

Despite making improvements to their squad during the summer, AS Roma has continued to struggle, failing to secure a victory in any of their first three league matches of the season prior to the international break. However, this hiatus provided them with an opportunity to refine their game plan, and I expect a different Giallorossi side in the game against Empoli.

This term has been nothing short of disastrous for Empoli. They've suffered defeat in all of their competitive matches leading up to this game, desperately searching for their first win of the season. It appears that the sale of some of their better players has had a detrimental impact, making it a challenging season for them.

Just like Roma, their fans will be hoping that the break has allowed their team to regroup and prepare effectively for this match. However, the visitors have yet to find the back of the net this season and have conceded two goals in each of their last two games.

Roma, on the other hand, has managed to score four goals in their first three games and previously won this fixture with a comfortable two-goal margin when these teams last met. I expect a similar outcome in this match, as the Romans are under pressure to start securing victories.

Take Roma to cover the spread.

Can Valerenga finally secure a victory? They've been stuck in a series of draws over the past few weeks and are set to host Aalesund after four consecutive stalemates. Valerenga is diligently working to distance themselves from the relegation zone, but they've consistently dropped points and are eager to change that trend in this match.

Aalesund appears to be the ideal opponent to help Valerenga regain their form, as the visitors seem to be spiraling towards relegation. They've occupied the bottom spot on the league table for an extended period, and it doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon. While their recent draw against Lillestrom was a commendable result, they had suffered defeat in the previous three matches and have been convincingly beaten in all of their last five away games.

Valerenga boasts a strong recent home record, having lost only two of their last five matches in front of their home crowd, and they're currently unbeaten in two home games. Moreover, the home side has emerged victorious in two of the last three meetings between these teams, winning those matches by a comfortable four-goal margin on each occasion.

Considering these factors, I expect Valerenga to secure another convincing victory.

Take Valerenga to cover the spread.

I watched the Bills' game against the Jets in full, and I still cannot fathom how they managed to lose that one. Make no mistake, the Jets did not beat the Bills; it was the Bills that lost that game on their own.

I believe they will do better this week, but even so, they seem to have a vulnerability when the pressure is on, lacking resilience, and that is a worry.

I do not expect much from the Raiders this season, but at least they have some backbone in them. They fight and can grind out the occasional win, just as they did against Denver last week.

So, do I expect the Bills to win? Yes, I do, but not by more than 8 points, that's for sure.

I am more than happy to take the Raiders with an 8-point handicap against a very questionable Bills side.

Take Las Vegas +8

The Chiefs disappointed me greatly last week, and I expect to see a vast improvement this week against the Jaguars.

For their part, Jacksonville had a good opening weekend, registering a nice 31-21 win over the Colts and will no doubt approach this game in good spirits.

However, this is one of those games where if the better teams play to their true ability, they will win, and in this case, that is the Chiefs.

Occasionally, the Chiefs let themselves down, as they did last week, but they soon bounce back, and that is what I fully expect from them later today.

It will be a competitive game for sure; however, I cannot see anything other than a Chiefs' win, and I will be very surprised if they do not cover the spread, which I believe has been set far too low.

Take Kansas -3.5

Tromso is putting in a tremendous effort to secure their position on the league table, as it represents the last European spot in the Norwegian league standings. This is a compelling reason why their fans have high expectations for a victory in this match, even though HamKam is a team known for causing trouble.

HamKam, while trailing the host by 19 points ahead of this game, is not expected to simply surrender to the home side's quest for victory. They've displayed a resurgence in recent matches, winning two and earning a draw in one of their last three games before this fixture, making them a potential challenge for the host.

However, Tromso boasts an impressive record with five wins in their last six matches and carries confidence into this fixture, particularly when playing in front of their supporters. The home side is driven by the ambition to compete in Europe next season, and they've done well to maintain their hold on the last European spot. While winning the league might be a tall order, finishing the season as European contenders would be a significant achievement for them.

Tromso has been dominant in recent encounters between these teams, winning all of the last five head-to-head matchups, although one victory came after regular time in a Cup game. They consistently perform at their best when facing HamKam at home, and it's reasonable to anticipate Tromso clinching this match with a margin of at least two goals.

Take Tromso to cover the spread

As the Champions League kicks off in a matter of days, Newcastle United finds themselves in a pressing need to rediscover their form in the league this weekend, albeit against a resilient Brentford side.

The Magpies showcased their excellence in the previous campaign and have consistently demonstrated their quality. However, a recent slump has seen them suffer defeat in their last three matches. It's important to note that Eddie Howe's squad faced formidable opponents in Liverpool, Manchester City, and Brighton during this challenging stretch, making their upcoming clash against Brentford a potential turning point.

Brentford, often a formidable adversary, has retained their Premier League status on merit over the last two seasons and continues to present a robust challenge. In the lead-up to this fixture, they have not tasted defeat in their last five competitive matches, standing as one of the few teams yet to be beaten in the current campaign.

Nevertheless, Newcastle is determined to reclaim their winning ways, and history favors them when facing Brentford. The Magpies triumphed in both encounters between these clubs last season and have emerged victorious in their last three meetings. Moreover, they have consistently found the net, scoring at least two goals in each of these recent clashes. This pattern suggests that they are poised to secure victory in this match and by a margin of at least two goals.

Take Newcastle to cover the spread

Fresh off his Premier League Player of the Month award, James Maddison is brimming with enthusiasm to maintain his impressive form at Tottenham, aiming to aid them in conquering Sheffield United on home turf.

Tottenham has kicked off the season brightly, displaying resilience in the absence of Harry Kane. The striker had been their linchpin for several seasons, ensuring their competitiveness. However, under the superb management of Ange Postecoglou, the team has flourished, and Postecoglou has rightfully earned the Manager of the Month accolade.

As of now, Spurs remain undefeated, matching Manchester City's goal tally with 11 strikes, and there is just a slender two-point gap separating them from the top spot. Their ambition is to seize the summit of the league table before City's next match, and a triumph against Sheffield United is pivotal to this objective.

For Sheffield, life in the top division has proven to be a challenging ordeal since their promotion from the Championship the previous season. They are yet to secure a single victory, amassing only one point thus far. While the international break had afforded them time to prepare, their defense had been leaky, conceding two goals in each of their last three Premier League encounters.

In stark contrast, Tottenham had been prolific in front of goal, netting nine times in their previous three league fixtures, all of which they won by a margin of at least two goals. It is within this context that my expectation is for them to clinch victory by at least 2 goals.

Take Tottenham to cover the spread

Juventus must put the Paul Pogba doping scandal behind them and focus on winning this crucial match against Lazio.

The Bianconeri have maintained an undefeated record in the current campaign, although they appeared vulnerable in their 1-1 draw against Bologna on Matchday 2. Concerns arose when Federico Chiesa returned early from the Italy national team camp, but the talented attacker is available and may feature in the starting lineup. Chiesa's presence is a significant boost for Juventus, as they are determined to secure victory in this pivotal match.

On the other hand, Lazio hasn't had the best start to the season, suffering two defeats before managing to secure a victory against Napoli in their most recent game. For Lazio's manager, Maurizio Sarri, this match holds added significance as he seeks to make a statement in Turin, perhaps as a way to repay Juventus for his ousting as their manager.

Lazio's losses to Lecce and Genoa highlight their vulnerability, and they might be feeling the absence of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Juventus, known for their resilience, will pose a formidable challenge. Additionally, the Bianconeri have emerged victorious in two of their last three head-to-head encounters with Lazio.

Although Lazio won their most recent meeting in Rome, Juventus has maintained an unbeaten streak at home against Lazio since 2019. All signs point towards Juventus securing another victory in this fixture.

Take Juventus to cover the spread

In this upcoming match against Nice, PSG, led by manager Luis Enrique, is eager to secure a victory as they continue their season. The Ligue 1 champions face a formidable opponent in Nice, one of the top sides in the division, and teams often raise their game when they face PSG.

The recent transfer window saw significant changes at PSG, with the departures of stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar. Additionally, key players like Marco Verratti and Renato Sanches left the club. This has ushered in a new era for PSG, and Enrique is counting on the remaining players to have the right mentality to drive the team forward.

PSG currently trails AS Monaco in the league standings by two points, and they have a strong desire to maintain their dominance in Ligue 1. To achieve this, they must remain near the top of the league table, making a victory in this match crucial.

Nice has had a decent start to the season, remaining unbeaten in their first four games, although they've only managed to win one of those matches. In contrast, PSG has won their last two matches by at least a two-goal margin, indicating that they are finding their form.

Considering PSG's attacking prowess and recent goal-scoring form, it's expected that they will continue to perform well in front of the net. As a result, I expect PSG will secure a victory in this match with a margin of at least two goals.

Take PSG to cover the spread

Two fairly evenly matched teams here, but I am backing the Chargers to take the win and cover the spread.

Both the Dolphins and Chargers made last season's playoffs but fell short in the first round. For the Chargers, it was especially painful after they took a 27-point lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars, only to succumb 31-30. That is a memory they can only erase by going deep into the playoffs this season.

The pressure will be on QB Justin Herbert, that is for sure. He was found wanting in the big moments last season and has to step up and lead this team properly, and that starts today.

I find the Dolphins to be a hit-and-miss team; you never really know which Miami side will turn up. There are questions over their QB Tua Tagovailoa, much more so than over Herbert in my view.

I expect a close game today, but at home and with a focused and determined Herbert leading the Chargers, I am confident they will win and cover the spread.

Take the Chargers -3

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up to kick off their 2023 NFL season and the stage is set for a thrilling showdown as they face the San Francisco 49ers at Heinz Field this Sunday.

While the 49ers might be the favored team in this particular matchup, I hold a strong belief that the Steelers will ultimately emerge as the victors on the spread. Several compelling reasons underpin this conviction.

First and foremost, the Steelers are in good condition, boasting a well-rounded roster of seasoned talent, a formidable defense, and the distinct advantage of playing on their home turf.

In stark contrast, the 49ers have been in the spotlight for their decision to part ways with Trey Lance, opting to entrust the helm of their offense to quarterback Brock Purdy. However, it's worth noting that Purdy is still in the process of regaining his peak form, having recently returned from a challenging elbow ligament injury.

Kenny Pickett, the Steelers' quarterback, is poised for a breakout season, having transitioned from a backup role last season. Combined with the Steelers' solid and robust defense, they form a formidable unit ready to take on any challenge.

As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, everything seems to align perfectly for the Steelers. Considering all these factors, my recommended bet is Pittsburgh +2.

For me, this one didn't require too much brain power or common sense to conclude that the Ravens would defeat the Texans today. However, what does require some thought is how much Baltimore will win by.

The spread has been set at -9 for the Ravens, and I am confident they will cover that and more.

Let's not kid ourselves here; Houston is probably the very worst team in the NFL right now. They will be cannon fodder all season long, whereas Baltimore is looking at a playoff run at the very least. The gap between these two sides is immense, and that will show today, especially with the Ravens playing at home.

Lamar Jackson will relish going up against the Texans that is for sure and providing he stays fit he could guide them all the way to the Super Bowl, In contrast, Houston will do well to finish the season with one or two wins.

Take Baltimore -9

Italy is heading into a crucial game against North Macedonia, a match they must win to avoid struggling to qualify for a tournament they are currently the title holders of. Italy's failure to qualify for the last World Cup is still fresh in their memory, and they are determined to avoid a repeat.

As things stand, Italy has three points from two games, and a defeat in this game would leave them with three points from three matches, potentially trailing behind North Macedonia, Ukraine, and England. Italy cannot afford to fall six points behind a qualifying place, especially with just five games left to play.

North Macedonia, while occasionally finding success against smaller teams, tends to struggle against traditional powerhouse nations like Italy. Their recent 7-0 loss to England highlights their vulnerability against stronger opponents.

In this context, home advantage for North Macedonia does not seem significant, and an early goal from Italy could quickly silence the home fans.

Regarding the spread, while I expected it to be around 2, it is actually set between 1.25 and 1.5, which I believe is quite low. Therefore, I am confident in Italy's ability to cover the spread in this game.

Take Italy to cover the spread.

Cambridge United extends a warm welcome to Reading as they clash at the Abbey Stadium, and there's ample cause for optimism favoring the home team.

While Cambridge and Reading haven't faced off since 2002, rendering recent head-to-head form irrelevant, we can draw insights from their respective current season's performances. One glaring trend emerges: Reading has struggled significantly when playing away from home in league matches.

The last instance of Reading clinching an away victory in a league match dates all the way back to November 2022. In fact, their sole triumph on the road during this period occurred just last month against Millwall in the league cup. However, since then, they've suffered two consecutive defeats in league games played away from home.

In contrast, Cambridge has demonstrated relative strength on their home turf. They've secured victory in two out of the three home games they've contested this season. Moreover, looking at their last eight home matches across various competitions, spanning back to last season, Cambridge has emerged triumphant in six of them.

In summary, we have a scenario where a team with a commendable home record faces off against a side plagued by woeful away form. Furthermore, Cambridge has begun the season in a superior fashion when compared to Reading, occupying a seven-place and four-point lead over their opponents today.

Taking all factors into account, Cambridge United is a solid choice to cover the spread at home in today's encounter against Reading.

Juventus is set to embark on a trip to Empoli with the aim of returning to winning ways following a 1-1 draw against Bologna at their home ground last weekend. The Bianconeri have positioned themselves as serious contenders for the Italian league title this season, and the absence of European commitments is expected to work in their favor, allowing them to focus on securing victories.

Their inaugural performance of the season against Udinese showcased their determination and intent to succeed. However, fans were somewhat disheartened after dropping points against Bologna, and Juventus is keen to regain their momentum.

Empoli, in contrast, has endured a dismal start to the season, suffering defeats in all three of their competitive fixtures. This underwhelming performance has not aligned with the expectations of their devoted fanbase.

While Empoli may draw inspiration from their remarkable 4-1 victory over Juventus in their previous meeting at this venue, their lackluster start to the season makes the prospect of even earning a draw against Juve a considerable challenge.

Empoli's scoring woes, with only one goal across three competitive matches and none in the league thus far, provide further confidence to Juventus that they can secure all three points from this encounter.

Additionally, a victory for the Bianconeri could propel them to second place on the league table with seven points, provided Inter Milan doesn't win their match. This incentive should serve as added motivation for Juventus as they aim to make their mark in the league.

All things considered, I am backing Juventus to cover the spread.

Brighton had a strong start to the season but faced a setback when they were surprised by West Ham in their previous match, resulting in a 3-1 defeat. Interestingly, despite the loss, Roberto de Zerbi's team maintained dominance in terms of possession, highlighting Brighton's attractive style of play, which has earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting teams in Europe. This reputation was further emphasized by Barcelona allowing Ansu Fati to join them on loan for the season.

Newcastle United, on the other hand, is gearing up for their Champions League campaign this month and has shown promise in their bid to secure a top-four spot this season. However, they will be disappointed by their recent performance against Liverpool, where they squandered a one-man advantage and a lead to ultimately lose 2-1. This loss came on the heels of a defeat to Manchester City in their previous game.

The upcoming match against Brighton presents a similar challenge for Newcastle, as they face a team that boasts both talent and a manager capable of outplaying them. Eddie Howe's side has shown a gritty side to their game, as evident in their match against Liverpool, but the question remains whether it will be enough to secure a victory against Brighton.

While Newcastle has not lost any of the last five encounters against Brighton, the Seagulls have been resilient at home, having avoided consecutive home game losses in their last seven league matches in front of their fans. 

I am confident that Brighton will not lose this match and the most likely outcome will be a home win.

Take Brighton on the spreads

Udinese is eager to secure their first Serie A win of the season as they prepare to host Frosinone, and they appear confident in their ability to defeat the newly promoted Serie A team.

Frosinone has strengthened their squad by acquiring several players from the Juventus Next Gen side. The question is whether these additions can contribute to helping them maintain their top-flight status. Their recent 2-1 victory against Atalanta demonstrates their potential to secure positive results when they are in top form. However, Atalanta has not had the best start to the season.

With the closure of the transfer window, every club anticipates full commitment from their players, potentially leading to a change in Udinese's form, especially with Lazar Samardzic remaining at the club.

Despite Frosinone currently outranking Udinese due to their recent victory, a win for the home side in this upcoming match could reverse their positions in the standings. Udinese has a solid record in this fixture, having won three and lost just one of their last five meetings with Frosinone. Based on this history and the desire to secure their first win of the season, I am backing Udinese to claim all three points.

Take Udinese on the spreads

Tottenham will aim to maintain their strong start to the season when they face struggling Burnley in the Premier League.

Under the leadership of Vincent Kompany, Burnley had an outstanding campaign in the Championship, securing a comfortable promotion back to the English top flight. However, the transition to the Premier League has proven to be challenging, with two defeats in as many games, conceding six goals and scoring just one.

Despite losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, Spurs have exceeded expectations, notably with their victory against Manchester United, which has bolstered their confidence. As they approach the Burnley match, they carry a sense of assurance that success is within reach if they stick to their game plan.

Kompany's squad netted an impressive 87 goals in the Championship last season but has struggled to find the back of the net in the Premier League, managing just one goal.

In contrast, Spurs have kept back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League and have scored six goals in three matches. Given their recent track record of winning four out of their last five encounters with Burnley, it's reasonable to expect that they will secure another away victory in this fixture.

Take Tottenham to cover the spread

Leeds United is determined to make a swift return to the Premier League and has managed to retain some of their top talents despite interest from Premier League clubs. The question remains whether they can achieve this goal.

The Whites have had a somewhat inconsistent start to the season, which is not entirely surprising given that many of their players were eager to leave the club. With the transfer window now closed, there's an expectation that they will become more committed to the team's cause, which should lead to improved results.

On the other hand, Sheffield Wednesday has had a challenging start to the season, losing all four of their games so far. Their form is indicative of a team that could be in danger of relegation, even though it's still early in the season.

Salford's victory over Leeds in the League Cup wasn't ideal preparation for this upcoming match. However, they are facing a Sheffield Wednesday side that has struggled significantly at the beginning of the season.

Leeds has demonstrated their ability to score goals, as seen in their four-goal performance in their last Championship game. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday has conceded at least twice in three of their last four matches. Given these factors, my expectation is for Leeds to improve their season with a victory in this match, winning by at least a two-goal margin.

Take Leeds to cover the spread

Both Sheffield United and Everton have had a dismal start to the Premier League season, each suffering three consecutive losses. United, who earned promotion from the Championship last season, is joined by Everton, who narrowly escaped relegation in the previous campaign, in their quest for a first league win of the season.

Everton comes into this match with a boost of confidence after a League Cup victory over Doncaster earlier in the week. Everton supporters had high hopes for a strong season, especially after witnessing a solid defensive performance in preseason. However, their inability to find the back of the net has been a glaring issue, failing to score in all three league losses while conceding six goals.

This lackluster goal-scoring record is far from ideal preparation for any game, giving Sheffield United a sense of optimism about securing their first league win. Despite losing their League Cup fixture to Lincoln and suffering four competitive defeats this season, Sheffield United has been showing signs of improvement. Their recent 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the league demonstrated their fighting spirit, suggesting they are capable of clinching their first win of the season in this matchup.

Furthermore, Sheffield United emerged victorious the last time they faced Everton in the Premier League, and I am backing them to at the very least avoid defeat in this upcoming encounter.

Take Sheffield United on the spreads

Luton is still in pursuit of their first Premier League points and will face the in-form West Ham in this fixture. The Premier League is known for its unpredictability, making it challenging to forecast the outcome of any given match.

Luton defied expectations by earning promotion last season, and their transition to the Premier League has been challenging. However, it's only a matter of time before they secure their first win, and this fixture presents a good opportunity for them to do so.

West Ham has had an impressive start to the season, momentarily occupying the top spot in the Premier League table following a well-executed 3-1 victory over Brighton. Despite having less than 30% possession in that match, their ability to win gives them confidence heading into this game.

Luton boasts a strong home record, remaining undefeated in eight games across all competitions when playing in front of their fans. Additionally, they have a favorable history against David Moyes' West Ham side, with just one loss in 11 previous encounters at their home ground.

While West Ham has displayed brightness in the early weeks of the season, this could be the match where they face a setback. My expectation is that Luton will either win or draw this game, as they aim to secure their first Premier League points of the season.

Sheriff and KI played to a draw in the first leg of their match leaving this tie finely balanced.

The home side is feeling confident after drawing 1-1 against the surprising team of this European qualifying season, though they probably expected to win convincingly in the Faroe Islands.

However, KI is in pursuit of making history, and it's anticipated that they will tenaciously seek a result in this match, even though achieving this goal might prove challenging.

Sheriff has displayed remarkable performance at home across all competitions, boasting a perfect record of five wins in front of their home fans. During these matches, they have only conceded a single goal while scoring a total of 18 times.

When playing on their home turf, Sheriff has shown incredible prowess, and KI hasn't been able to secure a win in their last two away matches across all competitions.

The visitors have remained undefeated in their last three games, managing one victory. However, it's worth noting that these games were played at home, so they can't rely on this record now that they are required to play away.

KI has conceded eight goals in their last five competitive matches while scoring six, which suggests that they might struggle to prevent Sheriff from scoring or outscoring them. The hosts are eager to participate in European competitions this term and have diligently worked towards achieving this goal.

Given the circumstances, my expectation is that the Moldovan team will emerge victorious in this game by a margin of at least two clear goals.

This match offers Elfsborg a significant opportunity to solidify their status as title contenders. A victory in this game would grant them a four-point lead at the top of the standings after 21 matches.

However, Norrkoping also has much riding on this fixture. A win for them would elevate them to third place in the standings, just one position away from securing a spot in European competitions. Hence, the visitors are equally motivated to excel in this game.

Yet, what sets this game apart are the respective home and away performance records of the two teams.

Elfsborg has managed to secure victory in seven of their last nine home games while drawing in the other two. Their home ground has become a fortress, making it an arduous task for any visiting team to come away with a positive result.

On the other hand, Norrkoping has experienced success in only four of their last nine away matches. Their performance on the road is notably weaker compared to their home form. This discrepancy in their performance away from home compared to their home matches is the pivotal factor for me in distinguishing between these two teams today.

Although I anticipate a closely contested game, given the historical trend of closely fought matches between these two teams, I cannot envision any outcome other than a victory for the home side. Considering the juncture of the season and the stakes involved, a home win appears highly likely.

Therefore, I am backing Elfsborg to cover the spread.

Lazio is presented with a second opportunity to secure their first league victory of the season, having lost their lead and the match 2-1 against Lecce in their previous outing. This unexpected result on the opening day of Serie A was a surprise, and Lazio will be eager to secure a win against newcomers Genoa in this game.

Genoa had a challenging start to their season, enduring a 4-1 defeat against Fiorentina in their first league match. While this might not be an ideal way to prepare for a match against Maurizio Sarri's Lazio, Genoa understands that upsets can occur, and they likely gained valuable lessons from their initial game.

Despite Lazio's inconsistency during pre-season, they possess a noteworthy attacking prowess under Sarri's management. They have a strong lineup of attacking talents and showcased a solid defensive performance last season. The loss to Lecce likely highlighted areas they need to address, and they will aim to rectify their mistakes and regain their top form in this match against Genoa.

Genoa's recent defensive record is concerning, having conceded seven goals in their last two matches. Considering Lazio's attacking capabilities, it's plausible to predict that Genoa could struggle defensively once again.

In light of these factors, Lazio should be determined to seize control of the match and make amends for their previous defeat. The team's proficiency in front of goal and the lessons learned from their past encounter could contribute to a resounding performance against Genoa. A victory by a margin of at least two goals for Lazio seems like a reasonable expectation.

Take Lazio to cover the spread

Rosenborg is set to host bottom-of-the-table Aalesund in this week 20 match in Norway, with the home side aiming for a straightforward victory.

Despite their expectations of being among the top clubs at this stage of the season, Rosenborg currently finds themselves in 9th place on the league standings, trailing the last European qualification spots by over ten points.

It appears to be just a matter of time before Aalesund faces relegation, given their dismal performance in the top flight this season. The visitors seem to have conceded their hopes of avoiding relegation and might already be focusing on strategies to succeed in the second division next season.

Considering that their visitors have suffered four losses in their last five games, Rosenborg likely views this match as an opportunity for an easy win. Although the home side experienced a loss in their recent league game against Ham Kam, they had emerged victorious in the preceding four matches, demonstrating their ability to score.

Rosenborg has found the net eight times in their last five league games, scoring at least twice in three of those matches. Aalesund, on the other hand, boasts one of the weakest defenses in the league, having conceded 15 goals in their previous five matches. This vulnerability makes them a prime target for Rosenborg to rack up multiple goals.

Take Rosenborg to cover the spread

Juventus is expected to continue their strong start to the new Serie A season when they face Bologna at the Allianz Stadium.

The Bianconeri's pre-season performances have been promising, and they began the Serie A season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Udinese. This win demonstrated their readiness to approach the new season with a proactive attacking approach.

In contrast, Bologna had a less-than-ideal start to their campaign, suffering a 2-0 home defeat against AC Milan. This outcome doesn't provide them with the best preparation for a match against a team of Juventus' caliber.

Juventus has displayed exceptional form throughout the summer and appears highly motivated after choosing not to contest for European competition. Their first home game of the season holds significance, and it's challenging to envision Bologna posing a significant threat to them throughout the match.

Juventus has been consistently strong in both attack and defense recently. They've scored three or more goals in three of their last four matches and maintained a clean sheet against Udinese.

When considering the historical matchups between these teams, Bologna has struggled defensively. They have conceded at least two goals in three of their last five encounters with Juventus and have failed to secure a victory in any of those matches.

Juventus possesses a potent attacking force along with defensive stability, making them well-equipped for another impressive win. 

In summary, Juventus is expected to dominate the match against Bologna, maintaining their strong start to the season and securing a convincing victory on their home turf.

Take Juventus to cover the spread.

Both Sandefjord and Haugesund are in a precarious situation, dangerously close to the relegation zone in the Norwegian league. Their upcoming clash holds significant importance for both teams' aspirations to avoid relegation and build momentum heading into the final games of the season.

Sandefjord finds themselves just one point away from the relegation playoff spot, making this match a crucial must-win situation for them. Haugesund, while slightly better off, is only two points ahead. Sandefjord's recent form, which included being unbeaten in the three previous matches before their recent loss, suggests they might be in better shape than their upcoming opponents.

Haugesund's recent performance has been less than satisfactory, with only one win and three losses in their last five league matches. This record is far from ideal, particularly for an important match like the one against Sandefjord.

The home advantage has been a crucial factor for Sandefjord. They have learned from their recent losses and are determined to apply those lessons in order to survive the relegation threat. Meanwhile, Haugesund's away struggles suggest they might find it challenging to secure a positive outcome in this match.

In summary, the clash between Sandefjord and Haugesund holds immense significance for both teams' fight against relegation. Sandefjord's home advantage, combined with their recent form and understanding of the situation gives them the edge. Haugesund's away struggles make a victory for Sandefjord a solid prediction.

Take Sandefjord to cover the spread

Promotion-contending Fredrikstad is set to face struggling Hodd in a Norwegian second-division match, and it appears that the home team is poised for an easy victory.

Hodd has faced significant difficulties in the division this season and is currently closer to the relegation zone than to a safe position. In contrast, Fredrikstad has been in exceptional form, holding the top spot in the league standings with a three-point lead. They are on the verge of confirming their promotion to the top flight and will be determined not to falter at this crucial stage.

Fredrikstad's recent track record demonstrates their understanding of the importance of maintaining their form. They have emerged victorious in four out of their last five league games, providing them with substantial momentum leading up to this matchup. Hodd, while on a two-game winning streak, is well aware of the quality of their opponents and the difficulty of the task ahead.

Although Hodd managed to secure a victory in their most recent away game, their previous three away matches ended in losses. To have a chance in this game, they will need to significantly elevate their performance.

Fredrikstad's success has been bolstered by their home form, as evidenced by their undefeated streak in the last nine home league games. They have been prolific in front of their home crowd, netting 14 goals in their last five home games. Conversely, Hodd's away form has been shaky, with them conceding nine goals in just three of their last four away matches.

Take Fredrikstad to win by at least 2 goals and cover the spread

AC Milan is eager to maintain their strong start to the season as they host Torino later today. With a bolstered squad featuring exciting talents, Milan stands as one of the favorites to contend for the league title. The club's owners have made notable improvements, fueling anticipation among fans for the promising season ahead. Following their 2-0 victory over Bologna in the season opener, Milan aims to secure another win on home turf and establish a two-game winning streak.

On the contrary, Torino struggled to break through Cagliari's defense in their first match of the season, resulting in a draw. Recognizing the significant challenge posed by Milan, Torino faces a formidable task in this fixture. The odds of them avoiding a heavy defeat against the dominant hosts seem slim.

Milan's recent form reflects their prowess, having scored ten goals in their last three matches while conceding only twice. This well-rounded performance across defense and attack indicates their readiness for a successful season.

In contrast, Torino has managed just three goals in their last four matches, while conceding the same number. Their goalless draw in the season opener hints at potential scoring difficulties, making it difficult to envision them breaking down Milan's strong defense.

Given AC Milan's array of top-tier attacking players, it's sensible to anticipate a victory for the Rossoneri by at least a two-goal margin in this match.

In an exciting matchup to look forward to this weekend, in-form Brighton will be hosting West Ham, as David Moyes' team aims to halt Brighton's current momentum. Last season, Brighton secured a place in the Europa League due to their fearless performances. Despite losing key players such as Lewi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, and Alexis Mac Allister, they currently sit at the top of the Premier League standings ahead of this upcoming game.

On the other hand, West Ham lifted the Europa Conference League trophy before experiencing departures like Declan Rice and Gianluca Scamacca. Nevertheless, with Moyes now an even more seasoned coach, his team is expected to manage the departures effectively. Following their recent triumph over Chelsea, the Hammers will be aiming for another win.

Both Brighton and West Ham remain unbeaten in their first two league matches. Brighton has been particularly impressive, securing victories with a combined goal tally of eight. West Ham, on the other hand, has recorded a draw and a win.

Due to the formidable nature of Roberto de Zerbi's team, Brighton enters this game as the favorites, however, the Hammers are unlikely to succumb easily to Brighton's challenge and I expect the visitors to put on a good show.

If Brighton does win, I doubt very much it will be by two clear goals, so backing West Ham +1 1/4 looks a solid bet to me.

Bournemouth's season has started with a slow pace, securing only a single point from their initial two games. This indicates that the Cherries might be in for a challenging campaign ahead.

Conversely, Tottenham has managed to gather four points out of a potential six, including an impressive 2-0 victory against Manchester United. Evidently, a transformation is underway within the club.

Though Bournemouth's performance hasn't been completely lacking, it has brought their limitations to the forefront. While they will have opportunities against Tottenham, they are well aware that Spurs will likely control possession and take numerous shots on target.

Believing that Bournemouth could prevent Tottenham from scoring is overly optimistic. The reality is that they are unlikely to achieve that, and conceding is more probable. The question remains: How many goals can Bournemouth score, and is it realistic to expect them to surpass their opponents' score today?

From what I've observed this season, I find it difficult to imagine Bournemouth successfully keeping Tottenham from scoring or surpassing them in goals. This is why I am confidently supporting the away team to secure all three points today and clinch the victory.

I am backing Tottenham to win.

It is easy to look at Chelsea and see them as a club in crisis, but that is conflating last season with the start of this season, and that gives a false impression of what is actually happening with the club.

They are in transition under a new manager in Maurizio Pochettino, and there were always going to be teething problems. Yes, they did lose last week, and that second half against West Ham was very poor. However, that game could have gone a very different way if Chelsea had taken their chances, and they will improve.

They are back at home for this game, and in their only previous home game this season, they held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw. In all fairness, they were unlucky not to come out of that game with the win.

Results to date do not look too healthy for Chelsea, but they will improve as every game passes. They could not ask for better opponents than Luton Town to bounce back from a loss.

Luton will almost certainly be relegated this season. They really are out of their depth, and their opening game of the season loss to Brighton shows that. They were thumped 4-1, and that is the sort of scoreline I see happening again today.

Luton will occasionally put in some fighting performances and may even spring the odd surprise, but against the big teams, I cannot see anything other than heavy losses. I do expect Chelsea to beat them convincingly today.

Take Chelsea to win and cover the spread.

Hull City have made a promising start to their Championship campaign, securing two victories from their first three matches. Their sole defeat occurred in their opening fixture against Norwich, where a contentious last-minute goal resulted in their loss.

Following the initial defeat, Hull bounced back with a 4-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday and a 2-1 away win against Blackburn Rovers. Their recent performance at home has been impressive, maintaining an unbeaten streak over five matches, which undoubtedly instills confidence heading into this game.

On the other hand, Bristol City has accumulated four points from their initial three Championship games. Their record includes one win, one draw, and one loss. The team started their campaign with a draw and a win, but their most recent match at home ended in a 2-0 defeat against Birmingham City. This loss has halted the modest momentum they were building.

Considering the performance of both teams thus far in the season, Hull's home advantage and strong recent track record, coupled with Bristol City's recent home loss, I am inclined to predict that Hull will secure a victory and cover the spread in today's match.

A couple of weeks ago, it would have been easy to mark this game down as an easy home win for RB Leipzig. However, a week is a long time in football, and while I do expect Leipzig to win and cover the spread, last week's results have at least made the odds of Leipzig covering the spread a little more attractive.

Leipzig smashed Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup and came out of the game looking like credible title challengers. However, their first Bundesliga game of the season saw them lose 3-2 away from home at Bayer Leverkusen, bringing them firmly back down to earth.

Stuttgart currently sits at the top of the Bundesliga, albeit after just one game, after thrashing Bochum 5-0. They will no doubt come into this match full of confidence.

However, we need to be realistic here. Stuttgart will not be title challengers, and they are very unlikely to even be in contention for a European spot. They will soon be playing as we expect them to.

Last season, Stuttgart barely escaped relegation and finished a whopping 33 points and 13 places below Leipzig. They have also lost eight of the ten meetings with Leipzig, drawing the other two.

There is a significant gulf in class between these two teams, and with Leipzig losing last week, I expect them to be very determined to bounce back with a convincing home win. While Stuttgart will be boosted by their big win last week, they will crumble as soon as Leipzig grabs the lead, as I fully expect them to do.

Take Leipzig to cover the spread.

In-form Hacken is set to host Aberdeen in a crucial Europa League final qualifying match for the group stages, and both teams are determined to secure a victory and gain the desired first-leg advantage.

Hacken enters this encounter with an impressive streak, having triumphed in all of their last four matches across various competitions. This positive form positions them favorably to attain another win in this fixture.

Aberdeen, on the other hand, has encountered difficulties at the beginning of the season, although they managed a victory over Stirling in their recent League Cup game. While this outcome might boost their confidence, they are well aware that the caliber of Stirling is a far cry from the challenge they will face in this upcoming match.

Hacken boasts an impressive record on their home turf, emerging victorious in six out of their last seven games in front of their home crowd. Their solitary defeat came during their recent Champions League qualifying matches. In contrast, Aberdeen remains unbeaten in away games this season. However, it's important to note that their opponents, Livingston and Stirling, do not possess the same level of quality that Hacken brings to the table.

Considering these factors, Aberdeen can't be overly confident about their prospects in this fixture due to their less convincing away performances against weaker opponents.

Hacken's home record is noteworthy, with only two losses in their last ten matches. The remaining eight games resulted in victories, further underlining their strength at home. This suggests that they are well poised to secure another win in this particular match.

In summary, Hacken's formidable form, coupled with their solid home record, positions them as the more likely victors in this encounter against Aberdeen, despite the visitors' unbeaten away streak this season.

Take Hacken to win and cover the spread

The Norwegian title race is tightly contested between at least two teams, Bodo/Glimt and Viking. However, it could easily evolve into a three-team competition if Tromso manages to win today, considering they are just six points behind the leaders with a game in hand. Such a scenario provides a strong incentive for them to secure a victory.

Tromso has been in good form, winning four out of their last five home games, with the remaining match ending in a draw. They have gained momentum and seem to have found their stride, which, combined with the support of their home fans, should lead them to give their all to secure all three points today.

While Sandefjord did manage to secure an away win last week against Valerenga, it's important to note that this was their very first away win in the league this season. Their performance on the road has been consistently poor, and it's worth mentioning that they have suffered heavy defeats in away matches throughout this season.

Despite the spread being set at a relatively high level, I don't foresee this being an issue for Tromso. I'm confident in backing them to win by at least a two-goal margin today.

Viking is currently tied at the top of the league table, with only goal difference separating them from Bodo/Glimt. They have impressively won nine consecutive matches in the league, including a recent victory over Bodo. Given this form, it's difficult to imagine them not making it ten straight wins.

On the contrary, Stabaek's recent performance is quite the opposite. They have not won a single game in their last nine league matches, managing just two draws in that period. Their struggles put them in genuine contention for relegation.

Every aspect of this match points towards a clear Viking victory, and it's likely to be a comprehensive one. The only question for me was how much Viking would win by and if they would cover the spread.

With the spread set at just 1.25, it appears to be a generous opportunity. I would be very surprised if Viking does not emerge as victors by at least a two-goal margin. Everything seems to be in their favor for today's match.

Take Viking -1.25.

Both of these sides lost their opening day matches: Villa 5-1 away at Newcastle and Everton losing 1-0 at home to Fulham. Looking at those scores, it might be easy to assume that Villa is the team in more trouble. However, scorelines can be deceiving.

Yes, Villa suffered a heavy defeat, but they are much better than the scoreline against Newcastle suggests. On the other hand, Everton is not performing well, and their 1-0 loss at home to Fulham is not a significant surprise.

This season, Everton is likely to face struggles, while Villa will not. This distinction will become apparent in today's game. With the advantage of playing at home, Villa will also have an edge in today's match. The point spread has been set between 0.5 and 0.75 goals, and I'm confident that Villa will comfortably cover that spread. I don't see Everton getting anything out of this game.

Back Villa -0.75.

Based on the first game of the season, I have to say that Tottenham looked like the far better side, and unless there is a marked improvement from the Red Devils, Spurs appear to be a solid bet for some sort of positive result today.

United were poor against Wolves, a Wolves side that was in disarray, and was expected to be easily defeated. However, the truth of the matter is that they were very unlucky not to secure at least a draw and were the better team on the night. United must demonstrate improvement and do so quickly.

Tottenham performed quite well away at Brentford, much better than most people expected. While the defense is still a work in progress, the midfield was dominant, and they created numerous chances.

United should perform better and will have learned from the Wolves game. They should realize that replicating that performance today will lead to a loss.

All things considered, purely based on how both teams performed in their opening games of the season, I am supporting the home side not to lose and most likely to pick up three points.

That is why I am backing Spurs on the spread.

Molde has let me down recently but I am prepared to give them one more chance today, mainly because of the quality of their opponent.

Valerenga has had an atrocious season, they are facing relegation, they are a whopping 18 points behind Molde and their away record season has not been good, despite picking up a win on the road last week.

Molde are on a high after winning in the Champions League midweek and is just one two-legged match away from the group stages. Do not get me wrong, they are far from an elite side but compared with Valerenga, they are a lot better side.

Molde have won their last six league games at home with four of those six games winning by at least two goals.

I know that Valerenga need points desperately but so does Molde who sit one spot outside the European places and I just cannot see anything other than a home win.

The question for me was, will Molde cover the spread, I am confident they will and am backing them to win this match, by at least two goals.

The divergent beginnings of these two teams set the stage for what I anticipate will continue: Leicester City's winning streak continuing and Cardiff accumulating further point losses.

With only two Championship matches played so far, Leicester has already made a statement with two victories, in contrast to Cardiff, which has managed just a single point from their two matches.

I am strongly inclined to believe that the Foxes will secure promotion back to the Premier League this season, a sentiment I cannot express for Cardiff. This contrast should become evident in today's match.

The spread has been established at -1 for Leicester, which seems appropriate. This led me to contemplate not whether they would cover the spread, but rather how many goals they would win.

In my estimation, Leicester is much more likely to win by a margin of two goals than for the game to end in a draw. In simpler terms, I am confident that the spread will be covered. However, even in the less favorable scenario of Leicester winning by just a single goal, your stake would be returned.

Middlesbrough lost their last Championship game 3-0, a game I actually watched and it has to be said that the scoreline flattered Coventry and Boro can consider themselves unlucky to have been on the end of a beating, they played better than the scoreline suggests.

Huddersfield has lost both their Championship games so far and also lost in the League Cup, against today's opponents Middlesbrough though I do not put too much emphasis on that game because both sides did put out changed teams.

Though it must be said, there is the mental side of the game to consider as well and Boro beating Huddersfield in the cup game will surely give Middlesbrough a confidence boost.

With home advantage and the spread set below one goal, I see this as a solid and safe bet backing the home side to win and cover the spread.

Nottingham Forest lost their Premier League season opener against Arsenal 2-1 last weekend and would be eager to get a first win in this game.

Crystal Palace defeated newcomers Sheffield United at their home to hand them a harsh lesson that the English top flight is a tough competition.

Forest played well against Arsenal, especially in the second half. After they pulled one goal back, they took the game to the Gunners and nearly left the Emirates with a share of the spoils.

That was not a bad start against one of the leading sides in the land and they will carry that into this game later today.

Steve Cooper’s side survived relegation last season and looked in much better shape against Arsenal, even though they have not won any of their last five matches, four of which were pre-season games.

United has also been in poor form, losing four of their last five matches and they will struggle this season that is for sure.

Forest has a decent home record as many top teams have found out and they should have too much for Sheffield and I am very confident that Forest will win and cover the spread.

Marseille commenced their Ligue 1 campaign over the weekend with a 2-1 triumph against Reims and now aims to secure another crucial victory in this upcoming match. Their positive start to the season notwithstanding, Marseille faces a formidable challenge in their quest to progress to the next round of the Champions League.

The narrow 1-0 defeat they endured in Greece during the initial leg of this fixture has intensified their determination to deliver an exceptional performance in this match, as they strive to advance in the UCL. While Panathinaikos exhibited their strength by securing a home victory in the reverse fixture, the task remains demanding, requiring them to elevate their performance to secure at least a draw in this encounter.

Panathinaikos arrives on the back of an unbeaten streak spanning three games, effectively bolstering their strength as they undertake this challenging journey. However, Marseille is acutely aware of the magnitude of this game, especially within the confines of their formidable home ground. While OM experienced a home defeat in their last game of the prior season, they swiftly rebounded by prevailing over Reims with a 2-1 scoreline over the weekend. The significance of securing victory by a margin of at least two goals is not lost on them.

Demonstrating their offensive prowess, Marseille has scored two or more goals in three out of their last five home games, setting a precedent they aim to surpass in this pivotal match. The unwavering support of their passionate fans further propels the French giants, presenting a formidable force that could potentially overcome their Greek counterparts and propel them to the next round.

In conclusion, Marseille's eagerness to triumph, coupled with their home advantage and offensive capabilities, positions them favorably to surpass the challenge posed by the Greek team. With the backing of their fervent supporters, Marseille has a compelling opportunity to secure victory and progress to the subsequent stage of the competition.

Bolton is exhibiting strong determination to secure promotion from League One, and their impressive start to the current season bolsters their prospects, making it evident why they are likely to overcome Fleetwood Town.

The home team's fans are poised to witness their team's ascent up the English football hierarchy, and this particular match presents a significant opportunity to continue their streak of victories.

In contrast, Fleetwood Town enters this contest burdened by a concerning string of poor performances, having suffered defeats in their last two matches and failing to secure a victory in their past four encounters. This poor form positions them unfavorably to accumulate points from this upcoming match, leaving them to hope for containment against Bolton's potential onslaught.

Beyond their strong start to the current season, Bolton boasts a favorable track record against Fleetwood, triumphing in their last three confrontations and securing victories in four out of the most recent five encounters. Additionally, Bolton's ability to find the back of the net consistently in these head-to-head battles is noteworthy, with a tally of two goals in the last three clashes and a pair of wins by a two-goal margin.

Fleetwood Town's recent defensive frailties are evident, having conceded five goals across their last two matches, both of which ended in losses. In contrast, Bolton's capacity to generate goals and their commendable form sets the stage for a prospective victory by a margin of at least two goals in this match.

In conclusion, Bolton's compelling combination of form, head-to-head dominance, and offensive potency suggests a strong likelihood of success against Fleetwood Town, indicating a scenario in which they secure victory by a margin of two goals or more.

Molde is determined to overturn their 2-1 deficit from the first leg against KI in this Champions League fixture. This is their sole pathway to advancing to the next round of the competition. This crucial stage of the qualifying stage holds significant importance, and Molde believes they can seize an opportunity to triumph in front of their home crowd.

The first leg saw Molde suffer an unexpected loss, despite initially taking the lead. They are eager to avert a repetition of that outcome and are focused on a strong performance in this upcoming match. KI from the Faroe Islands, on the other hand, is pursuing a remarkable achievement in this campaign and is rightfully pleased with their triumph in the preceding leg. Nevertheless, their recent loss to Vikingur over the weekend has put them in a less-than-ideal position heading into this crucial fixture.

Molde's home ground has been a fortress, with a remarkable record of nine consecutive victories across various competitions. Their exceptional form at home sets the stage for a potential victory in this match, with their goal-scoring ability also being noteworthy. Notably, Molde has triumphed in their last five home encounters, each with a margin of at least two goals. Adding to their advantage, the previous head-to-head match against KI resulted in a two-goal victory when hosted by Molde. I fully expect a similar outcome today.

The inaugural match of the 2023/24 Premier League season for Manchester United and Wolves couldn't have been scripted more favorably for United. 

Wolves find themselves amidst a challenging situation, grappling with financial fair play restrictions that have impeded any significant reinforcement to their squad during this transfer window. This predicament led to a parting of ways with their previous manager, resulting in the swift appointment of Gary O'Neil as the successor to Julen Lopetegui, just a few days ago.

However, O'Neil's time to work with the team has been limited, and they now face the formidable challenge of a visit to Old Trafford to take on the Red Devils. 

In contrast, United enjoyed a more stable preseason, bolstering their lineup with several notable acquisitions. Noteworthy signings include Rasmus Hojlund as a new striker, along with Mason Mount from Chelsea and Andre Onana from Inter Milan. These three quality additions complement the existing talent within the club.

The advantage of playing at home cannot be overlooked, and United holds that advantage. Furthermore, in the previous season, they secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Wolves in this very fixture. 

Under the guidance of their manager, Erik Ten Hag, United has demonstrated a clear upward trajectory. They clinched a third-place finish in the league, made appearances in two cup finals, and concluded the previous season a significant 34 points ahead of Wolves. This stark point difference underscores the considerable contrast between the two teams.

Considering all these factors, it's difficult to envision any outcome other than a resounding win for Manchester United and I will be backing them to cover the spread.

Hacken and Varberg find themselves at opposite ends of the league table as they prepare to face each other today. Hacken is currently positioned third and remains a contender in the title race, while Varberg is already looking ahead to life in the second division.

Hacken's aspirations include securing a finish within the European places by the end of the season. Their dedication to this goal is reflected in their persistent pursuit of victories, particularly on their home turf. The sting of their recent home defeat to Klaksvik in the Champions League still lingers, motivating them to swiftly reclaim their winning form.

Hacken's recent track record of success at home, having won all their last seven home league games, makes the task daunting for Varberg. Additionally, Hacken boasts an impressive history against Varberg, having triumphed in four out of their last five head-to-head encounters by a margin of at least two goals.

In the away game scenario, Varberg's performance has been mixed, with three losses and two wins in their last five matches. They've suffered defeats by at least two goals in two of those games, suggesting a vulnerability in their defensive setup.

Considering the significant differences in form and historical performance between the two teams, Hacken stands as the favored side. Their strong home record and Varberg's struggles away from home suggest that Hacken is well poised to secure victory once again and by a comfortable margin of at least two goals.

Bournemouth and West Ham are scheduled to face each other in a notable Premier League fixture this upcoming weekend. The match has garnered attention as one of the fixtures worth observing.

In the previous league season, Bournemouth displayed commendable form, guided by Gary O'Neil's efforts that helped them secure their place in the league. With a new manager at the helm, Bournemouth aims to build upon their achievements and commence the new campaign with a clash against West Ham, who emerged victorious in the Conference League.

Andoni Iraola, who demonstrated managerial prowess with Rayo Vallecano in Spain, now leads Bournemouth. This managerial transition adds an interesting dimension to the match.

Bournemouth's pre-season matches resulted in a mix of outcomes, with three wins and two losses in their last five preparatory games. The core of the squad that defied expectations and secured their Premier League status last season remains largely unchanged.

Historically, Bournemouth has fared well on opening days, avoiding defeat since 2017. This, coupled with the typical boost that accompanies a new manager's arrival, could potentially lead to a positive outcome.

Despite the departures of key players like Declan Rice and Gianluca Scamacca, West Ham has opted for limited squad reinforcements and the jury is out on how well they will do this season, I certainly am not confident that they will be an improvement on last season. 

Ultimately, this match offers Bournemouth an opportunity to continue their recent run of good form, leveraging both their opening-day record and the momentum of their managerial transition.

Rangers had a disappointing start to their league campaign with a loss against Kilmarnock on the opening weekend. They are determined to rectify that loss when they welcome Livingston later today.

In their most recent competitive match, Rangers managed to secure a victory over Servette in a Champions League qualifying match, which should boost their confidence ahead of the Livingston encounter. 

Rangers, led by Michael Beale, have set their sights on dethroning Celtic and claiming the league title. The pursuit of this goal necessitates a strong start, making it imperative for them to secure a win, especially in front of their home fans.

While the pressure on Rangers to win could potentially be advantageous for Livingston, the historical record doesn't favor them. They have faced challenges against Rangers in the past, losing four out of their last five matches and failing to secure a victory in any of those encounters. Furthermore, Rangers' victories have often come with a margin of at least two goals.

Considering this trend and the stakes involved for Rangers, I am confident they will register a big win against their opponents and kickstart their league campaign.

England entered the tournament as one of the top contenders for the World Cup, but their performances have been lackluster and somewhat challenging. Their struggle was evident in the previous round where they needed penalties to overcome Nigeria – a wake-up call that could prove beneficial.

The English were outperformed by Nigeria in the previous round, and their presence in the current stage owes partly to their resilience, especially considering they played nearly 30 minutes with just ten players.

Colombia has exceeded expectations, reaching this stage and even managing a victory over Germany, an achievement worth acknowledging. However, their journey included a loss to Morocco and a narrow victory over Jamaica. It's likely that their progress might falter at this juncture.

The outcome of this match hinges on the version of England that takes the field. If the team mirrors its performance in the European Championship, they should easily overcome Colombia. However, if their lackluster form from earlier in the competition persists, they could be vulnerable.

I am confident that we will witness the former scenario. The close escape in the prior round should invigorate them, leading to a transformed England in today's game. Therefore, I predict an English victory, and I believe they will secure this win by a margin of at least two goals.

This assessment is not meant to diminish Colombia's efforts; they have represented their nation admirably. Nonetheless, if England performs at their true potential, it's difficult to envision Colombia posing a significant threat.

Taking all factors into account, I am endorsing a wager on England with a -1 handicap, expecting them to cover the spread successfully.

In this Premier League opener, Burnley faces the defending champions, Manchester City, with aspirations of making a strong initial statement in the season.

Having clinched the Championship title last season under the leadership of Vincent Kompany, Burnley now faces the challenge of transitioning to top-tier English football. The Premier League presents a distinct set of challenges, and this fixture against Manchester City will provide a clear indication of how they fare against elite competition.

Manchester City secured a remarkable treble in the previous campaign, and they are poised to build upon that success as they aim to become the first club to secure four consecutive Premier League titles. While they lost the Community Shield to Arsenal, this outcome is not necessarily an accurate gauge of their potential league performance, as they also lost the Community Shield last season before claiming the league title.

Burnley is eager to defy expectations and upset the odds in this inaugural match, knowing that a strong performance could set a positive tone for their season. Their friendly matches leading up to this fixture have produced mixed results, with only one win in four games. On the other hand, Manchester City's preseason preparation included just one loss, and they notably defeated Bayern Munich as part of their preparations.

Considering the head-to-head record between the two teams, with Manchester City emerging victorious in the last ten encounters, including a commanding 6-0 win in the FA Cup last season, Burnley faces an uphill battle.

Given these circumstances, it's likely that Burnley will face a challenging start to their Premier League campaign and I take them to suffer a defeat by at least a two-goal margin, indicating the level of competition in the top flight.

In the fourth round of the Danish league, Copenhagen is determined to maintain its position at the top of the league standings as they face Odense. Copenhagen is renowned as one of Denmark's premier clubs and enters this season with aspirations of securing the league title, making it crucial for them to secure victories in their home matches.

Currently ranked sixth on the league table, Odense has managed only one win in their initial three matches. Copenhagen, on the other hand, is actively participating in European competitions, aiming to secure a spot in the Champions League group stage.

Copenhagen's recent track record includes winning four out of their last five matches across various competitions, demonstrating their good form. This home match offers them an opportunity to maintain this positive streak.

Odense's recent performance has been less convincing, as they suffered a defeat at the hands of Viborg in their previous home game. Their preparation for this fixture could be better, but Copenhagen boasts home advantage and is in better overall shape.

Although Odense managed to defeat Copenhagen in a match last year, Copenhagen has emerged victorious in three of the last five encounters between these teams. Taking all these factors into account, it is anticipated that Copenhagen will secure a comfortable victory in this match, by a margin of at least two goals.

Rangers are aiming for consecutive appearances in the Champions League group stage as they navigate the qualifying phase once again. The team is just two opponents away from achieving this goal, and their focus is on securing a favorable outcome in the first leg against Servette to establish an advantageous position for the return fixture.

Swiss side Servette earned their place in this stage by eliminating Genk in the previous qualifying round. Additionally, they've already secured a spot in the Europa League group stage. However, their aspirations extend further, and they are eager to progress in the Champions League.

Rangers have had a less than ideal start to the season, suffering a loss to Kilmarnock over the weekend. This result adds significance to their upcoming match against Servette, making a victory all the more crucial.

With the pressure mounting, Rangers manager Michael Beale understands the stakes, and reaching the group stage of the Champions League would provide valuable breathing room for him.

Despite Servette's journey to this stage of the tournament, their historical record as travellers in European matches is not strong, having last won an away game on the continent in the 1962/63 season. This context doesn't bode well for their prospects coming into this game, even with their recent victory against Genk bolstering their campaign.

Considering these factors, I anticipated that Rangers will emerge victorious in this encounter by a margin of at least two goals.

Start host Skeid later today, the team currently at the bottom of the league table. Start's objective is to secure a victory and inch closer to the upper ranks of the table.

Sitting in the final play-off position, Start is determined to avoid any setbacks that could potentially push them below this crucial spot. With Moss trailing closely by just a single point, a failure to win this game might put their current position in jeopardy.

On the other hand, Skeid has faced a challenging season with only two wins and nine losses in their first 16 league matches. Their situation is far from ideal, and as time dwindles, they are in desperate need of positive results. This upcoming match serves as another opportunity for them to turn their fortunes around.

However, Skeid's record in all competitions leading up to this game is far from promising. Having not secured a victory in their last five matches, losing four of them, they appear to be on a trajectory toward relegation as the season approaches its end.

In contrast, Start boasts an impressive record in their recent home games, having remained unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions. With four wins in those games, they are clearly in good form on their home turf.

Considering these factors, the outlook for Skeid facing Start is challenging. Start's home advantage and recent success should provide them with a solid platform to secure victory. It's reasonable to anticipate that Start will emerge triumphant with a win of at least two goals in this fixture.

Both PSV and Sturm Graz have experienced an extended absence from the Champions League group stages. PSV last participated in the 2018/2019 season, while Graz has been absent since the 2000/2001 season, albeit both have been in the qualifying rounds.

The upcoming 3rd qualifying round match presents an opportunity for both clubs to achieve something remarkable, although it could be a formidable challenge for the Austrian side to secure a favorable outcome.

PSV enters the match with boosted confidence after winning the Johan Cruyff Shield in the Netherlands. This victory is likely to invigorate them as they prepare for this fixture. However, it's important to note that PSV has encountered a dry spell in Champions League qualifying matches, remaining winless in six games, two of which ended in losses.

Graz approaches the game with positive momentum, having remained undefeated in their initial three competitive matches of the season. Nonetheless, facing PSV presents a significantly tougher challenge compared to their previous opponents.

Graz's recent Champions League qualifying history is marked by struggles, having lost seven out of twelve qualifying matches and securing only two victories since their last appearance in the group stage. Moreover, their performance away from home against Dutch teams has been dismal, with four losses and a single draw in five matches.

Considering PSV's high-scoring record in the Dutch league last season, my expectation is that they will secure a victory in this game and I am confident they will cover the spread.

IFK Goteborg has been enduring a difficult season, but they have shown signs of improvement lately, losing only once in their last five games. Their away form has been particularly resilient, as they have managed to draw four of their last six games on the road.

Norrkoping, on the other hand, has been inconsistent in recent matches. Although they have had a better season than IFK and are positioned 12 points and nine places above them after 17 games, they have encountered some stumbling blocks. In their last five home games, they have only secured one victory and suffered three losses, which might be a cause of concern for their fans. Furthermore, they have managed just two wins in their last nine league games overall.

Considering the circumstances, we have a home side with a better overall season performance but facing recent struggles, playing against a team currently second from the bottom in the standings. However, IFK Goteborg has shown signs of improvement and is eager to collect points to fight against relegation.

Given the situation, I believe this game will be closely contested, and my preference is for IFK Goteborg not to lose. Therefore, I am backing them to receive a quarter ball on the spreads, which means the bet will be successful if IFK Goteborg wins or draws the match.

The highly anticipated Community Shield, England's seasonal curtain-raiser, is finally upon us, featuring last season's title contenders, Manchester City and Arsenal, who are set to determine who is better prepared for the upcoming season.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal surprised many with their impressive title challenge in the previous campaign, delivering superb performances that saw them spend over 200 days at the top of the league table. Their scintillating displays showcased their potential as serious contenders. However, a dip in form during the final weeks allowed Manchester City to overtake them and clinch the English Premier League once again.

During the transfer window, Arsenal has further strengthened their squad, adding to the anticipation of their fans. On the other hand, Manchester City has retained most of the players who played a pivotal role in securing their treble-winning season.

Recently, Manchester City hasn't had the best records in the Community Shield, having lost their last two appearances. However, they boast an impressive six wins and eight losses from their previous appearances in this prestigious fixture.

Both clubs have been diligently preparing during pre-season for the upcoming campaign, but Arsenal faces a challenging task as they have suffered defeat in their last five encounters against Manchester City, highlighting the latter's dominance in this matchup.

Given their recent head-to-head record and City's strong squad, it's likely that Manchester City will continue their dominance over Arsenal and secure yet another victory in this game. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Erling Haaland can return to his dominant best and make an impact on the game.

As match-week 17 approaches in Norway, Tromso is determined to stay in close contention with the league leaders as they face Lillestrom at home. The two teams are separated by just four points on the league table, making this match a closely contested encounter.

Tromso has been in excellent form recently, with only one loss in their last five matches and securing three victories. Their impressive performances have kept them among the most in-form clubs in the league.

Similarly, Lillestrom has been on a superb run, winning four out of their last five games. Their only defeat during this period was a narrow 1-0 loss against Haugesund.

Confident from their recent success, Lillestrom enters the game with determination. However, Tromso understands the importance of securing a win on their home turf and has maintained an unbeaten record in their last four home matches.

And that is the key difference for me in this game, home advantage for Tromso.

Considering the balance between the two teams and Tromso's strong home form, a close and hard-fought game is expected. The prediction is that Tromso will emerge victorious and cover the 0.25 spread.

Leicester City embarks on their Championship journey with an exciting opener against Coventry City, marking the beginning of their quest to return to the top flight of English football. Despite their relegation, the Foxes have a storied history as English champions less than a decade ago, and they have bolstered their ranks with a roster of thrilling talents over the years.

Under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, the team experienced moments of success and made remarkable signings. However, last season saw their campaign falter under his leadership, leading to their unfortunate relegation.

Now, the task of securing promotion back to the Premier League falls to Enzo Maresca, who aims to apply the valuable lessons learned from his time with Pep Guardiola. Coventry City, on the other hand, defied all odds in the previous season, reaching the Championship playoff final, only to succumb to defeat on penalties against Luton Town.

Expectations are high for Coventry to replicate their impressive achievement, but it will undoubtedly prove challenging. History favors Leicester, with an excellent record against Coventry, having emerged victorious in the majority of their historical encounters.

Furthermore, Coventry has yet to triumph at the King Power Stadium. With the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and other top-notch players still in their ranks, Leicester is poised to secure a convincing victory in this game, likely by a margin of at least two goals.

Championship football is making its return, and Middlesbrough is determined to kick off their season on a positive note, seeking redemption after narrowly missing out on promotion last year.

Under the leadership of the superb Michael Carrick, who was appointed as their manager, there is growing confidence that Middlesbrough will eventually secure their promotion to the English top flight.

Boro has been stuck in the Championship for most of the past decade, which hasn't been ideal for them. However, this season presents another opportunity for them to make the leap and reclaim their spot in the Premier League, although the challenge will undoubtedly be tough.

Their first match is against Millwall, and this encounter promises to be a clash between two sides that are expected to have a strong showing in the Championship this season.

In the previous campaign, Boro finished seven points ahead of Millwall, which secured them a place in the playoffs. Nevertheless, Millwall's 8th-place finish in the standings was commendable, and they are determined to improve on that this time around.

The visitors will be keen to start the season on a positive note and gain at least one point from their trip to Boro. However, it's worth noting that Millwall hasn't secured a victory at Boro since 2014, and Middlesbrough has a knack for getting favorable results when facing Millwall.

Home advantage is very important these days and that is where Boro will have the edge today and I expect them to claim all three points in what is likely to be a hard-fought affair.

Take Middlesbrough to win and cover the spread

This English Championship clash will witness Norwich City and Hull battling it out as both clubs aim to secure promotion to the Premier League by the end of this campaign. While the goal is challenging, both teams have experienced success in achieving promotion in recent seasons.

Norwich City is a club we remember seeing in England's top flight not too long ago, but they finished last season in the 13th position on the league table. On the other hand, Hull ended the previous season in the 15th spot. As a result, both teams are eager to make a strong start to the season and strive to maintain their momentum.

In the preseason, Norwich displayed an impressive performance, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches in preparation for this season. Hull also showcased good form, although they drew their last three friendlies before this opener, hoping it won't impact their start to the term negatively.

While Norwich struggled in their final home fixtures last season, losing three out of four and securing no wins, they can take solace in their track record against Hull, having remained unbeaten in their last four encounters with them.

Hull, on the other hand, faced difficulties in their away matches last season, as they failed to secure victories in their last five Championship away games.

Considering these factors, Norwich City is expected to get off to a winning start in front of their home fans and I am confident that they will do just that and cover the spread.

Red-hot Bodo Glimt is set to host Tromso, and the home side is strong favorites to secure yet another victory.

Bodo Glimt currently sits at the top of the league standings, and their impressive form justifies their position. With eight wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last ten competitive games, they have been in exceptional shape. Additionally, their five consecutive wins leading up to this fixture highlight their determination to extend their winning streak.

Tromso, positioned fourth on the league table with 30 points, has been having a decent season. However, they are fully aware of the challenge they face against the formidable Bodo Glimt. The visitors have recorded two wins in their last five competitive games, which may not be enough to give them confidence against the table-toppers.

When playing at home, Bodo Glimt has dominated this fixture, claiming three wins from their last four head-to-head meetings. This historical advantage adds to Tromso's understanding of the tough task ahead.

Nevertheless, Tromso might draw some confidence from the fact that Bodo Glimt dropped points at home against Molde not too long ago. This could serve as motivation for the visitors to believe that they can also achieve a positive result on their travels.

Understandably, the pressure will be on the home side to maintain their impressive form and secure another win. However, Bodo Glimt has shown resilience under pressure, making them even more likely to come out victorious in this encounter.

All things considered, I fully expect a Bodo Glimt win and to cover the spread.

Rosenborg enters this fixture with momentum, having secured two consecutive wins in the league. Their recent performance in the Europa Conference League was commendable too, as they managed a 2-2 draw against Crusaders in an away game. The home side is currently in fine form, which undoubtedly boosts their confidence heading into this important match.

Odd, however, is not to be underestimated, as they have also achieved back-to-back victories. Eager to build on this winning streak, they are determined to perform well even though this encounter takes place at one of the toughest grounds in the league.

Rosenborg currently occupies the 10th position on the league table, and they are fully aware of the work required to climb higher. As a result, they view this game as a must-win to improve their standing in the league.

The history between these teams has shown that matches between them are always tough and closely contested. Nevertheless, Rosenborg has the upper hand, having won three out of the last five encounters without suffering any losses against Odd. This track record instils confidence in the Rosenborg fans, especially considering Odd's less than impressive away form in this fixture and their recent competitive matches.

The prediction for this match is that Rosenborg will secure a victory but not without some resistance from Odd. 

That said, I am backing Rosenborg to cover the spread and continue their mini turnaround in form.

It's matchday two in Denmark, and FC Midtjylland is gearing up to face Silkeborg later today.

FC Midtjylland had a promising start to the season, securing a win against Hvidovre IF and performing well in their recent Europa League match.

On the other hand, Silkeborg suffered a loss at home against Brondby during the opening weekend and is fully aware of the challenges they will face during this away trip. Their performance in pre-season was inconsistent, which carried over into the opening weekend, resulting in three losses in their last five games.

While FC Midtjylland did lose a friendly match against Aalborg at the beginning of July, they have since displayed impressive form, winning their last four matches. As a result, they enter this fixture as clear favorites to achieve victory.

In previous encounters between these two clubs, the matches have been closely contested, with a 3-3 draw being the outcome in their last head-to-head. Moreover, two out of their last three meetings have ended in draws. However, one thing that remains constant is the abundance of goals in their clashes, with a total of 15 goals scored in their last three encounters.

Additionally, FC Midtjylland has a strong track record when hosting these games, having won four out of the last five occasions. Considering their current form and historical performance at home, I am confident that FC Midtjylland will emerge victorious in this fixture.

Back FC Midtjylland to secure the win.

Upon thoroughly analyzing this match and closely observing both teams' performances throughout the season, it becomes evident to me that the home side, Halmstad, is poised for a victory today.

While Halmstad's performances this season may not have been extraordinary, when compared to their opponents, they are performing significantly better. Currently holding the seventh spot with 25 points, they stand in stark contrast to Varberg, who languishes at the bottom of the league with a mere eight points from 16 games.

Halmstad's home record has been a mix of results, comprising three wins, three draws, and two losses this campaign. However, what's impressive is their unbeaten streak in the last eight league games, both at home and away, securing four wins in that period, including a notable 2-1 away triumph against today's opponents, Varberg.

On the contrary, Varberg has struggled on the road, managing only one away win out of eight games, suffering five defeats in the process. Their current form, home and away, over the last six matches has been disheartening, with five defeats and just one draw.

Despite my efforts to find reasons to hesitate in favor of Halmstad, I have been unsuccessful. While they may not be among the top-performing teams in the league, they are certainly far from being one of the worst. Positioned as a mid-table team, Halmstad is significantly stronger than Varberg, who has been in a dismal state lately.

Moreover, Halmstad playing in front of their passionate home fans only reinforces my conviction that they are destined for victory today, and I anticipate them to cover the spread comfortably.

Molde, the reigning Norwegian champions, face a challenging task in defending their title, as their chances of retaining it appear slim. However, they still have a strong incentive to secure a European spot, currently sitting just outside the qualifying positions. Therefore, a victory in this match becomes crucial.

Molde's away performances have been inconsistent this season, posing as a weakness for them. Nevertheless, there are signs of improvement as they notably defeated Valerenga 4-0 in their last road game and held the runaway league leaders, Bodo/Glimt, to a 2-2 draw at their home ground. Recent form suggests that they are starting to find their rhythm away from home and overall have won four and drawn one of their last five matches.

Stabaek, on the other hand, finds themselves dangerously close to the relegation zone. Dropping points is not an option for them, but their current position reflects the quality of their team and their recent results.

At the start of the season, Stabaek displayed strength at home, remaining undefeated in their first six home games. However, they have experienced a slight decline recently, with just one point earned in their last three home matches, contributing to an overall tally of only two points from their last seven league matches, both home and away.

Considering the above analysis, I have a strong conviction that Molde will emerge victorious in today's match. Their current form appears promising, while Stabaek's performance raises concerns. I am backing last season's champions to cover the 3/4 ball spread today.

The pick in this one has to be Australia and I am confident they will not only win this game but win it by a couple of goals.

The Nigerians did very well holding Canada to a 0-0 draw in their opening game, they were second-best throughout the game, they saw just 32% of the ball, managed just one shot on goal, although they did restrict the Canadians to just three shots on goal and had less than half the completed passes that Canada had.

There is no reason to think it will be any different in this game, the Aussies will dominate and it is just a question of how clinical they will be in front of the goal.

In terms of form, the Aussies have won 10 of their last 11  matches and rarely concede keeping seven clean sheets in those 11 games.

Nigeria have come into some sort of form winning three and drawing one of their last four, however, prior to that they had lost seven on the bounce and none of their recent wins was against one of the top sides.

One last factor is the home crowd, which is a huge advantage for the Aussies and all things carefully considered, the Australians winning and covering the spread is the bet I am placing with full confidence.

It is quite hard to oppose the USA and for very good reason. They are the tournament's favourites and while they were underwhelming in their first game, they did win it 3-0.

The reason I say underwhelming is that they were minus six on the spread, they shows what was expected from them.

The Netherlands also won their first game of the tournament, a very credible 1-0 win over Portugal but they will find the USA a lot more daunting an opponent.

Don't get me wrong, the Netherlands are a good side but they are not at the level of the States, for example, the USA are on a ten-game winning run,  whereas the Netherlands are 6-3 in wins to losses.

The spread has been generally set at 1/2 or 3/4 but in reality, it should be 1.5 so I am more than happy to take the USA giving up 3/4 on the spread.

Tromso will face Brann in what promises to be a closely contested encounter. Both clubs currently have 27 points on the league table and will be eager to secure a victory to improve their position.

Tromso's recent form has been mixed, with a defeat against Rosenborg in their last game, making it two consecutive matches without a win. Nonetheless, they have been stronger at home, having not lost any of their last three matches at their home ground.

Brann comes into this fixture with some confidence, having secured a win against Stromsgodset in their previous match. However, their record at Tromso's ground has not been impressive, with just one victory in the last five encounters there. Additionally, they have struggled in away matches, suffering two losses in their recent league games on the road.

With both teams determined to claim victory and create a three-point gap between them, the match is likely to be fiercely contested. Tromso will look to Vegard Erlien, their leading scorer, to find the back of the net and inspire his team to a much-needed win in front of their home supporters.

Based on the current scenario, the prediction for this fixture is that Tromso will not lose and therefore backing them with a 0 ball creates a good safety net in the event of a draw.

Molde is determined to secure a spot in the top three of the Norwegian league and secure a place in European competition as they take on Sarpsborg in this upcoming game.

Currently, Molde is just one point behind Brann, who holds the final European spot on the league table. They will be highly motivated to close this gap with a victory in this fixture. However, Sarpsborg will not make it easy for them.

Molde has been in exceptional form lately, with no losses and four wins in their last five league and cup matches, even managing a 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt. This impressive form indicates that Sarpsborg will have a tough time dealing with Molde's attacking prowess.

On the other hand, Sarpsborg arrives for this fixture on the back of a three-game losing streak in both the league and cup. This has cost them valuable points, and it seems like another defeat is likely when they face Molde.

Additionally, Molde has a remarkable record in head-to-head matches against Sarpsborg, winning the last four encounters. They have been dominant in their home games against Sarpsborg, securing six consecutive wins when hosting them.

Considering all these factors, the prediction for this game is that Molde will emerge victorious, likely winning by at least two goals. Their recent form and strong track record against Sarpsborg make them the favorites to secure a positive result in this fixture

In this upcoming game, Hacken has a chance to overtake Elfsborg at the top of the Swedish league table when they visit Vaernamo.

Hacken is just one point behind the league leaders, though they have played one more game. As the season enters a crucial stage, every team is expected to be focused and determined, and Hacken understands the importance of not underestimating their struggling hosts.

Vaernamo, with only 16 league points, is dangerously close to the relegation spots on the league table. This makes them vulnerable and an attractive target for the visiting Hacken side, which has been in superb form throughout the season.

Hacken comes into this fixture having won all their last four competitive games, including both legs of their Champions League qualifiers against TNS. Their top form and recent success make them strong contenders in this match against Vaernamo.

Furthermore, Vaernamo's home record has been disappointing, with three losses in their last five home matches. Additionally, their previous encounters with Hacken at home have resulted in two losses.

Considering Hacken's top shape and their eagerness to reclaim the top spot in the league, it is highly likely that they will emerge victorious in this fixture against Vaernamo.

The first round of fixtures in the Danish league includes an exciting game between Lyngby and Copenhagen, promising a thrilling encounter.

While some Scandinavian countries started their league seasons earlier, Denmark's calendar follows a different schedule, more closely aligned with other top European leagues. The Danish league features several strong teams, and both Lyngby and Copenhagen are known for providing exciting matches.

In their preparations for the season, Lyngby played four friendly matches and won just one. On the other hand, Copenhagen won two and lost one of their friendly games. Additionally, Copenhagen finished last season on a high note, which would boost their fans' confidence heading into the new campaign.

Copenhagen has been dominant in recent encounters between these two clubs, securing four wins and no losses in their last five meetings. Even when playing at Lyngby's ground, Copenhagen continues to assert its dominance, having won 3-0 in their previous visit.

While Lyngby will undoubtedly aim to start the season strongly, the odds are stacked against them in this fixture. Surprises can happen on the opening day of the season, but Copenhagen possesses the qualities and capabilities to secure a victory and beat the spread.

In this round of 16 league games, Swedish league leaders Elfsborg will face Djurgarden, aiming to move four points clear of Hacken at the top of the table.

Elfsborg's excellent form throughout much of the season has propelled them to the first position. However, in their last game, they were held to a draw at home by Goteborg, which could provide motivation for Djurgarden to target a victory against them.

Djurgarden is also in superb form, having won their last three league matches and remaining unbeaten in their last five games, including friendlies. Although they currently trail Elfsborg by six points in the standings, this game presents an opportunity for them to narrow the gap.

Notably, Djurgarden has been strong at home, maintaining an unbeaten record in the league so far. On the other hand, Elfsborg has been dominant in away matches, winning all their last five league games on the road. This suggests that the match is likely to be closely contested.

However, despite Elfsborg's current top position, their recent history at Djurgarden's ground has not been favorable, as they have only managed one win in their last eight visits. Additionally, dropping points at home in their previous fixture could affect their confidence.

Considering Djurgarden's solid home record and Elfsborg's struggles in previous visits, the prediction for this game is a victory for Djurgarden. The home team's form and advantage, coupled with Elfsborg's recent draw at home, indicate that Djurgarden has a good chance of coming out on top in this closely-fought encounter.

World Cup hosts Australia welcomes Ireland in a match that presents a perfect opportunity for the Aussies to make a winning start in front of their passionate home crowd.

Australia has been diligently preparing for this tournament and their recent track record is impressive, having won nine out of their last ten matches. Notably, they secured significant victories against European Champions England and Spain, who are considered strong contenders, ranked third behind England and the USA in the World Cup favorites list.

On the other hand, Ireland's performance has been less inspiring lately. They managed only one win in their last five matches, which came against the lower-ranked team Zambia. In contrast, they suffered defeats at the hands of the USA twice and France, conceding six goals and failing to score any in those games.

While Ireland had a good run of form last year, their current performance has been disappointing. On the contrary, everything seems to be going in Australia's favor at the moment. They are in great form, playing in front of their enthusiastic home supporters in what is anticipated to be a sold-out stadium.

Considering these factors, it's reasonable to expect that Australia will dominate the match and comfortably cover the spread against Ireland, setting a positive tone for their World Cup campaign.

The much-anticipated Women's World Cup has finally commenced, providing a promising opportunity for astute bettors. The tournament opens with a match between New Zealand and Norway, where it seems highly likely that Norway will emerge victorious.

Although this Norwegian team might not be as formidable as their previous counterparts, they still possess an edge over New Zealand. Considering New Zealand's recent performances in 2023, where they suffered defeats such as 4-0 and 5-0 against the United States, 3-0 against Nigeria, 2-0 against Argentina, and 5-0 against Portugal, it is evident that they have struggled. In fact, out of the nine matches they have played this year, they have only managed one win and one draw, while losing the remaining seven.

On the other hand, Norway has had a mixed year so far, with one win, two draws, and two losses. However, it's worth noting that they faced stronger opponents, including draws against France and Sweden, both of whom are considered among the top six favorites to win the tournament outright.

Considering the clear difference in quality between the two teams, it appears prudent to back Norway to cover the spread in this opening encounter.

Lillestrom is coming into this match on the back of two consecutive wins, and they will be looking to make it three in a row. They have been solid defensively in recent matches, conceding only 1.13 goals per game in their last 8 league matches. This is a significant improvement from their early season form when they conceded an average of 1.54 goals per game.

In addition, Lillestrom has been scoring goals with more regularity in recent matches. They have scored more than 2 goals in 4 of their last 8 matches, and they have a number of dangerous attacking players who can create chances.

Aalesund are in poor form, having lost their last 2 matches. They have also been struggling to score goals, scoring only 1.13 goals per game in their last 8 league matches. This is a significant drop from their early season form when they scored an average of 1.92 goals per game.

Aalesund have also been poor defensively, conceding 2.38 goals per game in their last 8 league matches. This is a major concern for them, as they will need to improve their form if they want to avoid relegation.

Lillestrom has better recent form and is a more balanced team. Aalesund will need to improve their form if they want to get anything out of this match.

I expect that Lillestrom will win this match by at least 2 goals. Lillestrom has a good chance of scoring early in the match, and they will be confident of keeping a clean sheet against Aalesund's struggling attack. If Lillestrom can get a two-goal lead, it will be very difficult for Aalesund to come back.

Take Lillestrom to cover the spread.

Brann is undoubtedly considered the strong favorites in this match, and to some extent, this perception is justified. However, I don't believe they will be runaway winners in this encounter.

The standings show only a four-point gap between Brann and today's opponents, Stromsgodset, with the latter having a game in hand. In recent head-to-head matchups, Stromsgodset has been more successful, winning three out of the last five games, while Brann managed to secure just one victory.

Brann's home performances this season have been impressive, winning five out of seven games and drawing twice. On four occasions, they won by at least a two-goal margin.

On the other hand, Stromsgodset's away results cannot be overlooked. Out of their seven away trips, they have lost by two or more goals only once, proving that they are not a team that easily gives in.

While Brann might emerge victorious, it is doubtful that they will win by more than a one-goal margin. Based on this analysis, I am inclined to take Stromsgodset plus 1 1/4 in terms of confidence in their performance.

This match primarily revolves around Bodo/Glimt, and it's not to underestimate their opponents, but Haugesund is facing a significant challenge, and the scoreline could be significant.

Bodo/Glimt stands as the top team in Norway, poised to secure their third title in four years, leading the standings by an impressive 11 points.

Haugesund is not a weak team, but they fall into the mid-table category, and their goal difference this season has been poor, sitting at a woeful minus-seven. In contrast, Bodo/Glimt boasts a remarkable plus-23 goal difference.

Bodo/Glimt's dominance has been evident throughout the season, particularly at home, where they have achieved 3-0, 5-1, and 4-0 wins. Out of 14 games played, they have failed to win by a margin of two or more goals only on five occasions.

Head-to-head encounters between the two teams have also been in Bodo/Glimt's favor, with the home side winning four out of the last six matchups by at least a two-goal margin.

Considering all factors, it becomes apparent that this match is predominantly about Bodo/Glimt and their remarkable capabilities. Weighing everything up, the most likely outcome of this game is that the home side will secure a victory by two goals or more.

In an intriguing matchup, St. Louis City is set to face the struggling Inter Miami, and it promises to be an exciting clash.

St. Louis has showcased an impressive attacking prowess this season, averaging 1.82 goals per game. Their ability to find the back of the net has resulted in several high-scoring victories, with 8 of their wins secured by a margin of 2 goals or more.

St. Louis enjoys a significant advantage when playing at home, boasting a fortress-like record. They have scored in 10 out of 11 home matches, making it a daunting challenge for any opposing team to breach their defense.

However, St. Louis has faced some challenges with consistency, as their recent record of only 3 wins from 8 games shows. Nevertheless, this inconsistency pales in comparison to Inter Miami's recent struggles.

Inter Miami is grappling with a prolonged 10-match winless streak in the league, which is a major concern. This lack of victories could impact their confidence and morale, making it difficult for them to turn things around.

Compounding Inter Miami's woes is their suspect defense, conceding at least one goal in each of their last 19 matches. Their struggles are even more evident in away matches, losing 8 out of 10 games on the road.

Given St. Louis's potent scoring ability and Inter Miami's current struggles, the odds favor St. Louis emerging victorious in this encounter. The home advantage is likely to play a crucial role, allowing St. Louis to exploit Miami's defensive frailties and secure a convincing 2-goal margin win.

The form in the Norwegian league is starting to settle down and one thing that has become clear is that Valerenga is in form and Lillestrom is not.

Having lost two of their first three games Valerenga have since bounced back and are now unbeaten in their last six league wins registering four wins and two draws. They have won all four home games this season and three of those by a minium of two goals.

Lillestrom have won just once from their last 14 away games this season and last and in this campaign have two losses and two draws away, they are on a winless run of four games and have just one win from their last seven games in the league and that was a home game.

So, we have one team, Valerenga, on form and formidable at home and on the other hand, we have Lillestrom that cannot buy an away win and are in terrible form.

All things considered, I am backing Valerenga to win

Take Valerenga -1

Final Bundesliga game of the season and this is one of the matches that both teams have something to play for.

Dortmund are two points behind Bayern Munich and will need to win this game and hope Bayern lose at home, which is very unlikely, to claim the title.

Monchengladbach are in a three-way battle for the final Champions League qualification spot, if they drop points today and their rivals pick up points, which is very possible, then they will miss out on qualifying for Europe's elite competition next season.

Both sides have had mixed results recently and it will come down to which team wants it more today.

For me, I believe that it is the home side that will want it more, Dortmund kind of already know they have lost the title barring a miracle and I can see that having an impact as the game progresses.

Monchengladbach know that they have to win as well and unlike Dortmund, have their own destiny in their own hands.

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

If Roma want to make the top-four this is a game they really must win, however, Genoa still need points to avoid relegation and so it will not be an easy game for the visitors.

Genoa are six points clear of the relegation zone and are probably safe but they cannot take anything for granted and will try to pick up at least a point.

Roma are just one point behind Atalanta in fourth and with Atalanta playing Lazio today, who are also desperate for a top-four spot you can see how valuable a win today will be for Roma.

Genoa are not in good form at all, they have just one win in their last ten games, strangely enough against Juventus and are on a six-game winless streak.

Roma has hit form at the right time collecting three wins and two draws in their last five games and carry momentum into this game.

I expect Roma to get the win today and maintain their Champions League qualification hopes.

Take Roma -0.5

Huge game for Chelsea, they can go third with a win today and give their Champions League hopes a massive boost, however, Watford will not be easy to beat.

Watford can no longer finish seventh and so only have the FA Cup final to look forward to as a route to Europe next season but that does not mean they will not try today, they really will.

Chelsea travelled to Germany Thursday night and so may be a bit tired but they have a fresh and rested Eden Hazard and that is critical.

I do expect Chelsea to win but they are vulnerable in defence and I suspect they will have to score at least twice in this game as I do see Watford scoring.

While I do see Chelsea winning I do not see it being by two clear goals and therfore the best bet for me is to back Watford +1.5

Take Watford +1.5

This is the final regular game of the season in the Championship, Rotherham are already relegated but Middlesbrough can still make the playoffs if Derby County drop points today, which is possible.

That means that Middlesbrough have to win this game, a draw is no good due to goal difference, only three points and Derby not winning will put them into the playoffs.

Rotherham will be more relaxed but they are a poor side, that is why they have been relegated but they do have home advantage and will want to see their season out at home with a win.

Middlesbrough will not care they are the away side, they will be confident they can beat Rotherham and will approach this game with one thing in mind and that is to win.

I fully expect Boro to collect all three points and they will as long as they play to their abilities and do not allow nerves to get the better of them.

Take Middlesbrough -0.75

Tottenham have been struggling recently, they are clearly tired after a long season but they know a win today will give them Champions League football next season and I expect them to lift themselves one last time.

Bournemouth will be no pushovers, they are more relaxed now as they have nothing to play for and will of course be up for playing one of the best teams in England.

Neither team is in great form right now, Bournemouth have won just once in their last six games and Tottenham just once in their last five games.

Tottenham have lost their last five away games on the bounce and Bournemouth have not won in their last five home games.

But all said and done Tottenham do have a massive prize to play for today and providing they have the energy they will win.

Take Tottenham -0.5

West Ham have always been tough opponents for Tottenham and will definitely raise their game today, however, I am confident that Spurs will win and by at least a couple of goals.

They are unbeaten in their new stadium, they have not yet conceded a goal and they know a win today will put them very close to champions league qualification.

Spurs do have a long injury list and have the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Ajax to consider but they will still put out a very strong team today.

West Ham will be more attack minded than Brighton was midweek and that will open the game up for Tottenham, it was hard for them against Brighton because they basically put 11 men behind the ball and defended for the entire game, it is sometimes difficult to break teams down that play like that, that will not be the case today.

I see an open game but do expect Spurs to win and and take a huge step towards confirming their Champions League presence for next season.

Take Tottenham -1.5

Rosenborg have got off to a very slow start to the Norwegian season and find themselves second bottom after three games but rest assured they remain one of the best teams in Norwegian football and are second favourites behind Molde to win the title.

Stromgodset has had a mixed start with one win, one draw and one loss but they are not going to be contenders for the title they are well below Rosenborg in the betting and all things being equalled are a far inferior team.

I fully expect Rosenborg to get into gear today, they are at home and I cannot see anything other than a win for them and for them to kick start their season.

Take Rosenborg -0.75

West Brom still have an outside hope of grabbing an automatic promotion spot to the Premier League, it is unlikely but while ever there is hope they will fight with every breath.

Reading could still be relegated but again, it is unlikely but it does mean that they will be fighting as much as West Brom today for points.

But West Brom have the better recent form with five wins and two losses from their last seven games and even though they are the away side I am backing them to get the win today.

Take West Bron -0.25

A win for Derby County and they could end the day in a play off spot and with so few games to go they simply have no choice but to go all out for the win and I am confident that is what will happen.

QPR are basically safe, they will not be relegated and that will affect how they play, but even if they were in more danger I still would not be able to make a case for them, they are dreadful on the road having lost six and drawn two of their last eight away games.

Derby are far stronger at home and have won their last two home games 6-1 and 4-0 and I cannot see any reason why they will not continue with that sort of form in front of their own fans today.

Take Derby -0.75

This could be the game that deals a massive blow to Sheff Utd automatic promotion hopes.

As things stand right now it is in their hands with three games to go but if Leeds United better Sheff Utd result today they would move into the automatic promotion spot with just two games to go, so, Sheff Utd will go all out for the win.

But, Hull are not a bad home side, they are probably too far behind to get a playoff spot but to them, this game is a sort of a derby, they are both Yorkshire clubs and for Hull they would love to win this game.

It will be a tight game and Sheff Utd are favourites but it would not be a huge surprise if this game ends in a draw and for me, there is more chance of a draw or Hull win than a Sheff Utd win.

Take Hull City +0.5

Arsenal are fresh from knocking Napoli out of the Europa League and will be looking to move into third position in the Premier League with a win over Crystal Palace today.

A draw keeps Arsenal in fourth, whereas a win puts them above Tottenham into third and  means that it is purely in their hands now if they finish top-four and qualify for next seasons Champions League.

Arsenal have been formidable at home but it should be remembered that Palace are the only team to have beaten Man City at their ground in the league this season and so they will not be easy to beat.

A win for Palace makes it almost certain they will not be relegated and so they have their own incentive to put up a good fight today and I expect a good perfromance from them.

Arsenal are clearly favourites but they will have to win by two goals today for this pick to lose and I do not see that happening, I see nerves playing a part and Palace being very tough to break down.

Take Crystal Palace +1.25

Everton have had some very good results at home against the top six and I am backing them to get another one today.

They have recently beaten Chelsea and Arsenal and will be confident they can repeat those feats against an average Man Utd side.

Reality has come home to United since the initial euphoria of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer taking charge and going on a long unbeaten run culminating in the historic defeat of PSG in Paris but since then they have been dumped out of Europe, the FA Cup and lost points in the top-four race.

I am sure this will be an entertaining game but with home advantage and the incentive of finishing in the top seven still within their grasp, I am going for Everton to at the very least not lose this game.

Take Everton PK

Schalke are still in a relegation battle though they are not in serious trouble and Hoffenheim are battling for a place in Europe without an outside chance of making the Champions League.

In better words both teams have something to play for.

Schalke are better than their position and I actually watched them live a couple of weeks ago and they were very unlucky to lose at home to Eintracht Frankfurt and if they reproduce that performance they will get something from this game.

Hoffenheim have hit form at the right time and have registered four wins and one draw from their last five Bundesliga games, but only one of those wins was away and overall their away from has been poor with just two wins from their last seven road games in the league.

I expect Schalke to fight for their lives today and give Hoffenheim a real battle and despite their recent poor form I feel there is more chance of either a home win or draw than there is an away win for Hoffenheim.

Take Schalke -0.5

Huddersfield have already been relegated and there is very little reason to think they will all of a sudden improve because the pressure is off.

Watford were very unlucky to lose to Arsenal last Monday, they were down to ten men and still outplayed them and unlike their opponents today they do have something to play for and that is seventh position and possible entry into the Europa League next season.

Watford will be without Troy Deeney their talisman but they coped just fine when he got sent off on Monday and will do so again.

Huddersfield have home advantage but that has not done them much good all season and I doubt it will today.

Take Watford -0.5

Bournemouth bounced back to form with a massive 5-0 away win over Brighton last week and now that they are back at home I expect them to continue to win.

Fulham have been relegated but they still picked themselves up and beat Everton last week, a very good win for them, however, they remain a very limited side and have a very poor away record this season.

Fulham has lost 15 and drawn two of their 17 away games this season, that alone tells you how awful they have been on the road this season.

Bournemouth have drawn two and lost two of their last four home games but previous to that they only ever lost to the elite clubs at home and beat the teams on their level or below them.

All things considered, I am very confident Bournemouth will beat Fulham today.

Take Bournemouth -0.75