Hoffenheim are sixth in the league standings and are clearly performing better than Mainz, who are 16th and in relegation trouble. However, the visitors have lost just one of their last five matches in all competitions and will be eager to cause some trouble in this match.

Hoffenheim has not kept a clean sheet in any of their last five games, scoring in all but one. Mainz has also scored five times in their last five games, while both teams have scored in two of the last three head-to-head matchups between them.

This game is set up to have goals, and I expect at least three goals to be scored in the game.

Fresh from being docked ten league points, Everton will host the very inconsistent Manchester United.

The Toffees have hit top form in recent weeks, and Sean Dyche will be confident that his team can still survive the drop even with the ten-point deficit. United made hard work of their last match against Luton before the break and defeated the struggling side by a single goal in front of their fans.

Erik Ten Hag’s men are far from being in good shape and I expect them to struggle against a resilient Everton who will be buoyed by a very passionate home crowd.

The Toffees have lost none of their last four competitive games, winning three, and are unbeaten in three home matches in domestic competitions.

I am backing Everton to grab the win today.

Brann has enjoyed an impressive upturn in form, which has seen them rise to second on the league table in these final weeks of the season. Bodo has already won the title and has nothing to play for, but Brann will not want to lose this game and needs the points to maintain the second spot.

Playing at home, combined with being on a solid run of form, means Brann is the favourite to get all the points, even though Bodo has been on a superb winning run.

The visitors have always struggled against Brann, and the last two games between them have ended in 2-2 draws each.

Because of the circumstances I am backing Brann to get the win

Viking is the latest club that will compound the woes of bottom-of-the-table Aalesund when they meet in the league today. Aalesund has been so dismal that they have already been relegated, so this game is set up well for Viking to win.

The visitors are chasing a European spot and have fallen off the top three because of a terrible run of form that saw them lose three of their last five matches, winning just one of those games. They were winless in four games before their last match and would be eager to build on that win.

Aalesund is on a run of three consecutive losses, and this will almost certainly be the fourth.

The only question for me was how many Viking will win by and I believe it will be by at least 2 goals.

Take Viking to cover the spread.

Two struggling Bundesliga sides, Bochum and Heidenheim, meet for this interesting league clash, and it will be intriguing to see who comes out on top. Only a point separates them in the standings after 11 league games, and both know they have to start performing better to preserve their Bundesliga status.

Heidenheim has four losses from their last five games, and goals have been a constant. They scored eight times in those games and conceded 14 times, which means goals at both ends are a constant in their matches.

Bochum is on a better run of form, with no losses from their last four matches in all competitions. They will be eager to secure a win, and because they know how to score (eight in their last five matches), they could earn at least a point. However, I expect both teams to score, and the total goals to be at least three.

Take over 2.75 goals

Tottenham hosts Aston Villa after back-to-back losses in the Premier League, and Unai Emery’s side will fancy their chances of winning, knowing they will break into the top four with three points.

Spurs began this term in top form, but losses to Chelsea and Wolves have put them on a bad run of form, with their fans eager to get some good news from this game. Villa is having a good time in the league, and it is easy to understand why some people will tip them to return from London with all three points.

However, I expect Tottenham to win this game and return to form because they have been terrific when they play at home all season, apart from that loss to Chelsea. Villa was humbled at Nottingham Forest on their last travel and could struggle here as well.

Tottenham do have injuries but the inconsistency of Villa on the road swings this in favour of the home side for me.

Take Tottenham to win

This game has all the ingredients for goals.

We have two teams when in the mood, score freely and the way both these sides play, open expansive football, sets things up nicely for goals.

Four of the last five meetings between these two have had at least three goals with four of those games having at least four goals.

Take over 2.75 goals

I am going for goals in this game. At home Newcastle can be prolific, they regularly rack up goals in front of their home fans and I do see them breaking through against Chelsea today.

Chelsea have finally found their goalscoring boots as four goals against both Tottenham and Man City have shown.

A difficult one to call in terms of finding a winner but in terms of a bet, it has to be over 2.75 goals.

Take over 2.75 goals

Early in the season, it would have been easy to back Brighton in this one but not now. 

Forest is just six points behind Brighton and that is because the Seagulls have been very inconsistent of late, especially on the road, whereas Forest has shown solid form at home and therein lies the difference for me in this matchup.

Brighton are just too unreliable when they travel away while Forest are reliable in front of their home fans and I am backing them to collect all three points today.

Take Forest to win

The overs in this German Bundesliga game is a solid bet.

Freiburg almost always score at home, in their last four home games they have scored at least twice and against a side like Darmstadt, they look nailed on to score at least that amount again today.

Darmstadt always seems to be involved in games on the road that include goals, for example, last time out they conceded eight away at Bayern and four of their last away games have all had at least three goals.

All things considered, I am going for over 2.75 goals.

This is a crucial match for both of these teams, featuring multiple scenarios that could unfold as the European Championship qualifying Group D enters its final stages.

As it stands now, Wales is in second place with 10 points, and Armenia is in fourth place with seven points. If Wales wins, they will remain in second place with just one game to go, and Armenia will be eliminated. On the other hand, if Armenia wins, they would have the same number of points as Wales. However, if Croatia wins their game, they will take over the second spot with 13 points.

Another factor to consider is that when this game was played in Wales, Armenia won 4-2 in what was described as a surprising result. It should also be noted that a draw does not benefit either team.

From this, I conclude that these teams will go all out for the win if they are to have any hope of qualifying for the finals.

I expect goals in this match. Armenia, having already scored four against Wales, will be determined to score again, especially in front of their own fans, and will be motivated, full of adrenaline and on the front foot directly from kick-off.

Wales, being a quality side with several Premier League players, will be eager to maintain their current three-game winning streak, including a victory over Croatia in their last outing. I am confident that they will find the back of the net at least once.

I foresee both sides scoring at least once, and a winner emerging. Therefore, backing over 2.25 goals seems to be the most logical bet for this game.

Take over 2.25 goals

Recent history between these two teams would indicate a close game; however, I do not share that view. I anticipate a comprehensive victory for Italy by a significant margin.

North Macedonia eliminated Italy from the World Cup playoffs with a stunning 1-0 win in Italy. The first game in these European qualifiers, held in Macedonia, ended in a 1-1 draw, contributing to the perception that this might be another closely contested match. However, it's crucial to consider the context.

Firstly, Italy must win; anything less poses a serious risk of them not qualifying. This would mark the first time the title holders fail to defend their title, adding extra motivation for a victory. While North Macedonia could mathematically qualify, the likelihood is slim even if they win their final two games. Their goal difference of -7 falls significantly behind Ukraine, which currently occupies the second spot in the group.

In reality, North Macedonia has nothing substantial to play for. Additionally, Italy needs to score multiple goals. They will not want to find themselves with just a one-goal lead as the clock ticks down; instead, they aim to establish a comfortable cushion against their opponents.

Despite recent results between these two teams, Italy is the far superior team, and it's only a matter of time before their dominance becomes evident. The trend of closely fought matches between these sides is not expected to continue.

Playing at home, Italy is determined to settle the game early and seek revenge against the team that eliminated them from the last World Cup.

Considering this historical context and Italy's imperative to secure a resounding win, not just narrowly but as a statement in front of their fans, I predict a significant victory for Italy.

I recommend taking Italy to cover the spread.

Lazio and Roma face off in the first Rome derby of the season, promising an exciting match. After falling short in the Europa League final last season, Jose Mourinho's visitors aim to secure a top-four spot in Serie A this term.

While Lazio secured a top-four finish in the previous campaign, they have not met expectations this season and would consider it a success to finish within the Europa League places.

This fixture is anticipated to deliver one of the finest matches of the season, and I expect that Lazio will emerge victorious. Maurizio Sarri's side has had an inconsistent season, currently sitting tenth on the league table. However, they have won three of their last four league games leading up to this match.

Roma, on the other hand, is not in a much better position, having lost their last competitive match to Slavia Prague and experiencing two defeats in their last three competitive games, indicating potential challenges in winning this match.

Lazio holds a superior head-to-head record, winning three of the last four encounters between these teams. Despite Romelu Lukaku being a significant signing for Roma, his isolated performance against Inter Milan suggests that Lazio might effectively handle him in this matchup.

Take Lazio not to lose and cover the spread

Chelsea faces another tough test following their victory against Tottenham in their last Premier League game. The Blues are starting to click into gear as a team, and Mauricio Pochettino will be delighted to see his players earning results on the pitch.

However, this game will be against a City team that dominated European football in the last campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side has been sweeping all the Premier League trophies in the last few seasons and won the Champions League and FA Cup last season. City is not resting on their laurels and knows they cannot afford to lose against the resurgent Chelsea in this match.

Chelsea has lost just one of their last four league games and is on a two-game winning run before this match. City has an even better form and has won all their last five competitive matches ahead of this fixture.

Mauricio Pochettino will feel this is the toughest team his boys have faced so far, and they would be eager to go into the international break on the back of an upsetting win. It is hard not to see a City victory in this game, considering that they have won all the last five matches between these clubs.

Chelsea are improving but they remain a long way from being on City's level and I am backing the visitors to win this game.

Take City to cover the spread

Frankfurt travels to Bremen in search of the points that will propel them back inside the European places on the Bundesliga table. However, the home team is determined to distance themselves from the relegation spots and will be keen to secure a victory in this match.

Bremen has not had the best of seasons but enters this fixture unbeaten in two league games, demonstrating their capability to achieve results and maintain their top-flight status by the end of the season.

In contrast, Frankfurt has been a consistent participant in European competitions for Germany in recent seasons and competed in the Champions League last term. They are eager to return to that competition or, at the very least, secure a spot in the Europa League, making it imperative for them not to lose this game.

Frankfurt approaches this fixture in superb form, boasting four wins and a draw in their last five matches. They have secured victories in the last three games, scoring at least three goals in all but two of those five matches.

While Bremen is displaying positive signs and has scored at least twice in three of their last four matches, indicating their goal-scoring capability, Frankfurt will strive to maintain their momentum and secure a favorable outcome in this encounter.

This game screams goals for the reasons highlighted above and I am backing there to be at least three goals in this game.

Take over 2.75 goals

Tromsø holds just a two-point advantage over Viking in the race for the final European spot on the Norwegian league table, making it crucial for them not to lose this upcoming match against Odd.

Odd, positioned tenth on the league table, does not harbor aspirations of securing a European spot. Nevertheless, they remain motivated to win the game and won't make it easy for their visitors.

Odd's recent form includes just one win in their last five league games, a performance not reflective of a team with high ambitions for the season. In contrast, Tromsø has secured three wins and suffered two losses in their last five league matches.

Predicting the outcome of the match may be challenging, but one certainty is that goals will be scored. Odd has been involved in matches totaling 13 goals in their last five fixtures, averaging more than two goals per game for both teams. Tromsø, on the other hand, has scored in all but one of their last five games, finding the back of the net ten times in total during this period.

Then if you add in the context, Tromso needs a win to maintain their quest for European football and Odd not wanting to lose in front of their own fans and you have all the ingredients for an open attacking game.

Take over 2.5 goals

West Ham will be eager to bounce back from their recent poor league form when they host Nottingham Forest at the London Stadium. Despite successes in cup competitions, such as defeating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and winning their last European game, David Moyes' side has faced a downturn in league performance with two consecutive losses before this match.

Recognizing the importance of reversing this slump, the Hammers aim to secure a European spot this season. Their opponent, Nottingham Forest, comes into the game with confidence after a significant 2-0 win against Aston Villa, one of the league's strongest teams.

Forest has displayed goal-scoring prowess, finding the net in three of their last five competitive matches. Meanwhile, West Ham has also been consistent in scoring, particularly at home, where they have scored at least twice in three of their last four games in all competitions.

Notably, Forest has shown vulnerability in defense during away matches, conceding at least twice in three of their last five away games in all competitions. This statistic presents an opportunity for West Ham to capitalize, and they will be eager to exploit this weakness, aiming for a convincing victory. Anticipating an open and potentially high-scoring game, a prediction of at least three goals is solid.

Take over 2.5 goals

Koln fans are worried about their team's form in the league this season as they flirt with the serious possibility of being relegated. They will face Bochum this weekend, looking to build on the draw they earned against Augsburg in their last match. That result showed they still have some fight and will want to go one better and win in Bochum.

The home side has not had a much better season after earning just one win in ten games and collecting eight points. However, they look in good shape in their last two matches, picking up a draw against Mainz and defeating Darmstadt.

Bochum has scored twice in their last two matches and has found the back of the net in each of their last four games, including a friendly. This means goals are not a problem for them, and it is also not an issue for Koln, who have found the back of the net in three of their last four games.

When these teams meet, there are always goals, with both teams scoring in four of the last five head-to-head. Three of those games have also ended in over 2.75 goals.

All things considered, this game looks a solid bet for at least three goals.

Take over 2.75 goals

After defeating Burnley in the Premier League, Bournemouth has suffered back-to-back losses against Liverpool and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup and the league. The Cherries will wish they had an easier opponent next so that they can return to form with a win, but Newcastle United is their next opponent.

The Magpies have returned to form in the Premier League and have lost none of their last five matches. Eddie Howe’s side is working hard to remain inside the top four after making the Champions League at the end of the last campaign.

Bournemouth conceded six goals against City in their last game and has conceded at least twice in four of their last five matches. Newcastle will love that stat, as they have some of the finest attacking players in the Premier League. The Magpies have scored in each of their last five Premier League games, scoring at least twice in all but one.

This means they have the players and capacity to find the back of the net in this game, and Bournemouth does not have a good defense. The Cherries have not kept a clean sheet in their last six competitive games, conceding at least twice in five of those matches. At home, they have not kept a clean sheet in their last four games, conceding nine times.

Newcastle lost their last competitive away game 2-0 at Borussia Dortmund, but they had scored in each of the previous four, scoring 15 times. This game has goals written all over it.

Take over 2.75 goals

Juventus faces Cagliari this weekend and will look to continue their winning run against an in-form team. The Bianconeri have been the second-best team in the Italian top flight in the last few weeks. They are only behind Inter Milan on the league table, and the Nerazzurri are feeling the pressure of their presence, but can Juve continue to win?

The Bianconeri have won all their last four matches and five of the last six, keeping six consecutive clean sheets. This is the form of a team that can win the league, and their fans dream of that happening at the end of this campaign.

However, Cagliari will be a tricky visitor as they have hit form at the right time and have lost none of their last four matches in all competitions. They head to Turin on the back of a three-game winning streak, which is a good way to prepare for top opponents like the Bianconeri.

But Juve is too good for Cagliari, especially in defense, and the Bianconeri should easily win this match. Juve has scored at least twice in each of their last four head-to-head matches against Cagliari, and I expect them to win this game by at least two goals as well.

Take Juventus to cover the spread

Wolfsburg is set to clash with Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday evening in Germany, and this Bundesliga match promises to be an exciting goal-filled encounter.

Currently, there's very little that separates these two teams. Wolfsburg occupies the 9th position with 13 points, while Borussia Monchengladbach is just two places and three points behind. Moreover, both teams share a similarity – their matches tend to feature an abundance of goals.

For instance, in six out of Borussia Monchengladbach's last seven games in all competitions, there have been a minimum of four goals in each fixture.

While Wolfsburg doesn't match the same goal-scoring frenzy, three out of their last five games have seen at least four goals each.

We are not talking about teams that do not have solid defences but know how to score and that is what I am backing to happen tonight

Take over 3.25 goals 

A massive London derby is set to take place between two teams that do not like each other.

Tottenham is poised to return to the top of the table and will be playing in front of their own fans. They certainly have the motivation and all the advantages.

Chelsea has invested a significant £1 billion in rebuilding their squad, which is filled with very talented individuals. However, they have yet to gel into a stable, solid unit and remain a work in progress.

Tottenham has been in great form, remaining the last unbeaten team in the Premier League and displaying a resilience that has been missing in recent years. They are far stronger in defense than they have been in a long time and have been creating more chances than before.

Chelsea has been playing well, but they are struggling significantly in front of the goal, which has led to poor results. Unless that changes today, they will lose once again.

With home advantage, better form, and high confidence, I predict a Tottenham win.

Take Tottenham to cover the spread.

Juventus faces a fresh challenge to their title ambitions when they visit the hostile Artemio Franchi Stadium for this game.

Fiorentina is struggling with poor form after back-to-back league losses, while Juventus, without European football, has won their last three matches and four of their previous five.

The Bianconeri are unbeaten in nine of their last ten league matches and have not conceded a goal in the last five.

Fiorentina has a strong squad and some exciting players, but they know they are coming up against a formidable opponent in this fixture against the Bianconeri.

Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic are the leading scorers at Juve this season and will return to their old stomping ground in this match.

However, Juve does not rely on them alone for goals and has won games when both men were unavailable.

Fiorentina won their last Europa Conference League match, which will give them a boost ahead of this game, but they have just one victory in their last five matches against Juve.

Juve has struggled on their last four visits to this ground, but the Bianconeri have lost two and won five of their previous ten trips to Florence in all competitions.

For me, it is very difficult to oppose Juventus and I am backing them to take something from this game.

Take Juventus to cover the spread

Struggling Heidenheim will hope they can inflict another defeat on Stuttgart when both clubs meet in this Bundesliga game.

The visitors have had a good start to this season, thanks to the goalscoring form of Serhou Guirassy, but he is now injured and will not be available for this fixture.

Heidenheim is on a terrible run of form and heads into this fixture on a run of five consecutive losses and would be eager to ensure that they can arrest this slump.

They have lost their last league game, cup game, and friendly game, which is a sign of a team that may get relegated.

Stuttgart are chasing a surprise spot in Europe, and if their star man returns and keeps scoring, they could achieve this.

They won their last competitive game by beating Union Berlin in the German Cup, but their previous league game ended in a home defeat against Hoffenheim.

One thing Stuttgart knows how to do well is score goals, and even in their last defeat, they scored twice.

Heidenheim has conceded at least twice in their last four competitive games, and Stuttgart will be licking their lips at this poor defensive record.

The visitors know they must get back to form, and it is hard not to see at least three goals scored in this fixture.

Take over 3 goals

Inconsistent Lillestrøm will host in-form Haugesund for this interesting Norwegian league game, with both clubs looking for a win.

Lillestrøm has suffered from poor form in recent games and has lost three of their last four league matches.

Their fans have not enjoyed watching these defeats and would be eager for that to change soon so that they can improve their position in the league standings.

Haugesund were in serious relegation trouble weeks back but have turned things around with a return to form, which has seen them win their last three league matches and not lose any of the previous four.

This return to form is what most fans dream about, and they will be eager to see their stars earn another victory in this fixture.

Lillestrøm has been inconsistent at home, but they have won three of their last five home fixtures. Perhaps that will give them confidence ahead of this match.

The visitors, however, have been terrific on their travels and have not lost any of their last four away matches, although only the last one was a victory.

Lillestrøm does have a good record when they host Haugesund, and goals have been a part of this fixture, with the last meeting here ending 4-1.

All things considered, I see both teams scoring and with one of the sides scoring at least twice, therefore over 2.75 goals is the bet for me.

Valencia hosts Granada in this La Liga fixture, hoping to add more woes to the visitors' season.

Los Che was seconds away from earning a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao the last time, having come from a goal down to lead that fixture.

However, they conceded a 97th-minute equalizer, which shared the points, and they would be eager to win this match

Granada is having a terrible campaign, and some of their fans will be worried about their league safety, even though this is just the start of the season.

They won their Spanish Cup game against lowly opponents in midweek but have lost their last two league games and haven't won any of their last eight.

Valencia knows their opponents are struggling and should easily win this game if they work hard enough.

Los Che was once one of Spain's top clubs and is working hard to get back into the European places by next season.

To achieve this goal, winning matches like this is a must, and they will do all they can to defeat Granada.

I am backing Valencia to win and cover the spread.

Valencia has won four of the last five home games against Granada, scoring at least twice in those victories, and we expect them to win by two or more goals.

Nottingham Forest hosts high-flying Aston Villa in a match they cannot afford to lose as they remain very close to the relegation spots.

Forest has been battling to survive since they were promoted to the Premier League, and their fans had expected them to perform much better in this campaign.

However, Steve Cooper's men remain among the struggling sides and will be eyeing a rare win when Villa comes to town.

The Villans have had a good season and could break into the top four if they win this game before Liverpool plays.

That is enough incentive to secure victory, but we know Forest is never easy to beat at the City Ground and will want to make a statement in this game.

The home side has not lost any of their last three home games in the Premier League and drew against Villa here last season.

However, Villa has won two and drawn one of their last three away matches in all competitions.

Unai Emery's men will come to Forest prepared for whatever will be thrown at them, and goals could be a major factor in this fixture.

Forest has scored in each of their last four home games, while Villa has scored in all of their last ten competitive matches, so I expect at least three goals in the game.

Take over 2.75 goals

In-form Arsenal is looking to extend their early-season momentum as they travel to St. James' Park to face Newcastle United in a highly anticipated Premier League clash later today.

Arsenal comes into this match after an impressive 5-0 victory over Sheffield United in their last league fixture, extending their unbeaten start to the season to 10 matches, however, they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup midweek away at West Ham 3-1 and that is the last thing they would have wanted coming into this game.

Newcastle, sitting in sixth place with 17 points from 10 matches, has also shown their mettle this season. They secured a point in their last Premier League encounter, a 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium, then they travelled to Old Trafford midweek and beat Man Utd with ease to progress to the next stage of the Carabao Cup.

When it comes to home form, Newcastle has been formidable, winning four out of five Premier League contests at St. James' Park this season, with only one loss, which was against Liverpool.

Arsenal has been a force to be reckoned with in away matches this season, securing three wins and one draw outside the Emirates Stadium. That said, while they have not lost away in the league this season they have succumbed to defeat away in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

In their recent form, Newcastle has won four and drawn two in their last six league matches, while Arsenal boasts an equally impressive record of four wins and two draws in their last six. 

We have two very in-from teams, Newcastle are a formidable foe at home, whereas Arsenal are just as solid on the road as they are at home domestically.

I fully expect both teams to go for this, especially Newcastle with home advantage and knowing Arsenal will be slightly down after losing midweek to West Ham but if there is one team you cannot underestimate it is Arsenal.

Considering what is at stake I do see both teams scoring at least once with one of them most likely going on to grab the win, I just cannot see this being a low-scoring affair.

Take over 2.5 goals

Both Rotherham United and Queens Park Rangers are eager to break their runs of disappointing early Championship form as they clash at the New York Stadium. With both teams looking to secure a much-needed victory, this matchup promises to be an exciting battle.

Currently, hosts Rotherham United find themselves in 22nd place with just nine points from 13 matches. In their previous Championship fixture, Rotherham suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. 

Queens Park Rangers, on the other hand, are also enduring a challenging season. Their last league match ended in a 2-1 defeat against Leicester City extending their winless streak to nine matches.

In their previous Championship meeting, Rotherham emerged victorious with a 3-1 win at the New York Stadium last season.

Rotherham has had the upper hand in recent encounters, remaining unbeaten in their last three Championship matches against QPR. Queens Park Rangers are striving to secure their first league win against Rotherham since November 2020. The Millers have outscored QPR 7-3 during their unbeaten streak.

Rotherham has fared relatively well at home this season, securing eight points out of a possible 18 in six Championship contests. On the other hand, Queens Park Rangers have struggled on the road, with two wins, one draw, and five losses in league matches this season. They are currently on a four-match winless streak away from home, with their last away victory dating back to September 2 against Middlesbrough.

In their last six league matches, Rotherham has won one, drawn two, and lost three, reflecting their inconsistent form. Meanwhile, Queens Park Rangers are enduring a nine-match winless streak in the league this season, making this clash a critical opportunity for both teams to turn their fortunes around.

This will be a tight game but all the evidence points towards Rotherham having the edge and I do expect them to emerge victorious today, they may not be a great team but they are better at home than QPR is away.

I am backing Rotherham to get something from this game

This is a bit of a mismatch with fifth-placed RB Leipzig traveling to rock-bottom Mainz; however, the odds on an away win are very low, and the spread is tricky to navigate.

Leipzig should win, but the problem I have with them is that they tend to concede goals when playing away. In their last five away games in the Bundesliga, they have conceded on three occasions. If you look back even further, it tends to be 50% or higher the number of times they've conceded when playing away.

Mainz is struggling, and they concede regularly. In fact, the vast majority of their games have featured at least three goals. Eight of their nine Bundesliga games this season have had at least three goals, with six of those matches having at least four goals.

So, we have an away team that is far better than the home side, two teams that generally feature in high-scoring games, and both are desperate for points for their own reasons. All the ingredients for a high-scoring game are present.

Take over 3 goals.

Following a mixed start to their Premier League campaign, Fulham plays host to Manchester United at Craven Cottage today and the stage is set for an intriguing clash as the hosts aim to reverse their fortunes against a Manchester United side seeking to bounce back from a recent setback.

In their last Premier League outing, Manchester United suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford. This loss saw the Red Devils drop to eighth place in the league standings with 15 points from their first 10 matches. They then followed that up with a humbling 3-0 loss at home to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

Fulham, on the other hand, currently occupies the 14th position with 12 points in the Premier League, having played 10 matches. Their last league fixture ended in a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at The American Express Community Stadium. Fulham's performance in this match showed resilience, and they will hope to carry that spirit into the game against United.

When playing at Craven Cottage this season, Fulham has secured two wins and suffered two losses in their four Premier League matches. Meanwhile, Manchester United has recorded two wins and two losses in away matches this season. This indicates that both teams are evenly matched in terms of their home and away performances.

In their respective last six league matches, Fulham has won two, drawn two, and lost two, showing a relatively balanced recent form. Manchester United, on the other hand, has won three and lost three in their last six matches. The inconsistent form of both teams sets the stage for an unpredictable and exciting contest.

United have dominated Fulham historically but the circumstances are different right now and while Fulham have been just as poor as United this season, if not poorer, the feeling is that the wheels have come off at United and they are there for the taking.

I fancy Fulham to get something from this game, even if it is just a draw and therefore I am backing them on the spread.

Take Fulham +0.25

A rather mediocre Bundesliga match is on today between Darmstadt and Bochum. While it may not be a headline fixture, there's potential to profit from it.

Both of these teams are struggling; Darmstadt is currently 14th with seven points from nine games, and Bochum sits third from the bottom with five points from nine games.

It's evident that at least one, if not both, of these teams, will be battling relegation all season long, and even at this early stage, this game can be considered a critical one.

Choosing a winner from this match is a challenging task. These are two teams that suffered heavy defeats to Bayern Munich this season, losing 7-0 and 8-0. This should give you a clear idea of their respective defenses and their limitations.

Of course, losing by such margins to one of the best teams in Europe should not be the standard, but what is standard for both of these teams is that goals tend to flow when they play, usually against them.

In Darmstadt's nine Bundesliga games this season, there have been eight goals once, six goals three times, five goals once, four goals twice, and three goals once. When Darmstadt plays, there's certainly no shortage of entertainment.

Bochum has had one game with seven goals, five goals once, four goals on three occasions, and three goals once, out of their nine Bundesliga games. They are another team known for providing an entertaining spectacle.

Considering both teams' current positions in the standings, their porous defenses, and their tendency to be involved in high-scoring matches, it seems like a safe bet to go for over 3 goals in this match.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Ipswich to win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am backing Napoli to get the win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Juventus to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

Take Leipzig to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.75 goals

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

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

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

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

Take Tottenham -0.75

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

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

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

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

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

Take Sparta to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 3 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Copenhagen +1.5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.75 goals

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

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

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

Take Tottenham to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Atalanta to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 3 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.75 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Newcastle United -1.25.

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

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

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

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

Take over 3 goals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is Man City for me today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Wolves to win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Sevilla to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

All things considered I am backing Palace to take the win

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

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

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

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

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

Take Juventus to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

Take Viking to win

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.75 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back over 3.5 goals

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

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

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

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

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

Back Marseille to claim the win

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

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

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

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

Back AEK Athens to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

Take the draw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals 

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

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

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

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

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

Take Sandefjord to win

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back Forest to win

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

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

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

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

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

Take Lillestrom to win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Tottenham +0.25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 3 goals

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Preston to win

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.25 goals

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

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

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

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

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

Take Aston Villa to win

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 3 goals

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 3 goals

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

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

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

Take Viking on the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

Take Lillestrom to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take the draw

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Brighton to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2.5 goals.

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 2 goals

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

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

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

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

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

Take under 3 goals

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

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

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

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

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

Take over 3 goals

Burnley is set to host Manchester United at Turf Moor in a Premier League showdown on Saturday, featuring two teams in dire need of a victory.

Burnley's season has gotten off to a rocky start, marked by three losses and one draw in their initial four matches, leaving them in 19th place in the table, just one point above the bottom-placed Luton Town.

Similarly, Manchester United's campaign has been disappointing thus far, with two wins and three losses in their first five matches, landing them in the 13th position, trailing the league leaders Man City by nine points.

Both teams possess offensive threats, and their shared desperation for a win adds to the potential for a high-scoring affair. 

Furthermore, both teams have exhibited defensive frailties in recent matches. Burnley has conceded a total of 12 goals in their last four outings, while Manchester United has let in ten goals across their last five matches.

For me, the pressure to secure a positive result may encourage more attacking play from both sides and that is one of the reasons I am very confident we will see at least 3 goals in this game.

Take over 3 goals

Brentford aims to rebound from their inaugural season defeat as they prepare to welcome Everton today.

The Bees have emerged as one of the Premier League's pleasant surprises this season, instilling confidence in their ability to secure a favorable outcome against a struggling Everton side.

Everton has yet to secure a victory in their initial five matches of the season, facing mounting pressure to accumulate their first points. Nonetheless, Brentford has proven formidable on their home turf, and my prediction leans towards a triumph for the Bees.

Brentford boasts an impressive home record, maintaining an undefeated streak at the Gtech Community Stadium since April. Conversely, Everton is grappling with issues of both confidence and form. Their last away victory dates back to May, and they've already conceded nine goals across their initial five matches this season.

While the potential for an Everton upset always looms, my assessment favors Brentford as the victors in this contest.

Take Brentford to cover the spread

Aalesund and Stabæk are set to clash in a crucial relegation battle in the Norwegian league later today.

Both teams find themselves in a precarious position with regard to form, but Aalesund will be banking on their home advantage to secure a favorable outcome. While their performance at home this season has been inconsistent, they do enter the match on the back of two consecutive home victories. In contrast, Stabæk's away form has been dismal, as they haven't tasted victory on the road since April.

With both squads desperate for points, an offensive approach seems likely from both sides. 

Furthermore, recent defensive frailties have plagued both teams. Aalesund has conceded 11 goals in their last six matches, while Stabæk has let in 15.

Considering these factors, it looks highly likely that we will see an abundance of goals today, which tends to happen when teams are fighting for their lives but lack the quality to keep clean sheets.

Take over 2.75 goals

Juventus is set to embark on a journey to face Sassuolo in this Serie A clash and the two teams could not be in more contrasting forms.

Juventus has launched their season impressively, securing victory in three of their initial four matches and settling for a draw in the other. Their current second-place standing, trailing leaders Inter Milan by just two points, underscores their strong start.

In stark contrast, Sassuolo has had a dismal beginning to the season, losing three out of their first four matches and currently languishing in 17th place in the league table.

When examining historical matchups, Juventus has a noteworthy advantage against Sassuolo, emerging victorious in seven of their last eight encounters with the Neroverdi.

While surprises are always possible in football, the prevailing sentiment leans heavily towards Juventus as the favorites to claim victory in this contest.

For me, the question was always going to be the spread and I expected it to be -1, however, it is -0.75 and for me, that is a gift.

Take Juventus to cover the spread

Preston North End is set to embark on a journey to face Rotherham United and the two teams are certainly having very different campaigns.

Preston has enjoyed a stellar start to the season, securing victories in six of their first seven matches and maintaining their position at the top of the table, just one point ahead of Leicester City.

On the flip side, Rotherham's season has kicked off on a less favorable note, with five losses in their initial seven matches, landing them in the 21st spot in the standings.

While Preston appears to be the superior team on paper, their away performances in recent seasons have left room for improvement, with just two wins in their last six away matches in the Championship.

Rotherham, while poor overall, actually does quite well in front of their home fans, they beat Norwich City last time at home 2-1, they did lose at home to Leicester City but that was a very close game and they were unlucky.

Preston, of course, is in brilliant form right now but away from home, they have not been anywhere near as dominant as they have been at home.

The odds of a home win were just too good for me to ignore and that is why I am going with that bet.

Take Rotherham to win

Rangers and Real Betis are set to clash in the UEFA Europa League group stage this evening with both teams determined to kickstart their Europa League campaigns after disappointing recent results.

Rangers have encountered a winless streak in their last three European home matches and are aiming to reverse their fortunes in this game, while Real Betis is embarking on its first European match of the season and aims to make a favorable impression. 

This game could actually go either way and I would not rule out a draw either, however, one thing I am very confident about is that we will see goals, regardless of the actual match result.

The reasoning is there for all to see, both sides will want to start their group campaign off with a win, both boast numerous attacking players with the potential to find the back of the net and recent matches have shown that both teams' defenses may not be performing at their peak.

While the possibility of a low-scoring match always exists, I believe the conditions are almost perfect for a high-scoring encounter.

Take over 2.5 goals