Everton's ten-point deduction had a significant impact on their last game against Manchester United, resulting in a 3-0 defeat by the Red Devils. Their upcoming opponent is Nottingham Forest, where manager Steve Cooper is under constant pressure.

Forest, facing the absence of key players, notably Taiwo Awoniyi, will be determined to compound Everton's difficulties in this match. Despite Everton being unbeaten in four consecutive games before the home loss to Manchester United, they anticipate a challenging encounter against Forest.

The psychological impact of the ten-point deduction seems to be influencing Everton's performances, providing an opportunity for Forest to capitalise on it in this fixture. Everton has not won any of their last three matches against Forest, with one loss and two draws.

Given the pressure on the Forest manager and Everton's setback with the point deduction, I expect Forest will bounce back to form and end their two-game losing streak in this fixture.

Take Forest on the spread

Burnley has a good opportunity to climb from the bottom of the Premier League table when they host fellow strugglers Sheffield United. Vincent Kompany's side, which was unstoppable in the Championship last season, has struggled since their promotion to the Premier League.

Both Burnley and Sheffield United have yet to secure a league victory this season, with 11 losses in 13 matches for each team. Their current form reflects a challenging battle against relegation.

While this match features two teams fighting for survival, Burnley holds the advantage of playing at home. Despite their struggles to stay focused at the back, they have shown promising performances. Considering Burnley's previous victory against Sheffield United, they have the potential to repeat that success in this encounter.

Take Burnley to cover the spread

The inconsistent Middlesbrough is set to face Leeds United in this Championship game, aiming to disrupt the momentum of the Whites. Leeds is currently showcasing its quality as they strive for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Despite a slow start to the season, Leeds has climbed to third place in the league standings after 18 games. On the other hand, Middlesbrough had a rough beginning but is making progress and currently sits in mid-table. With an eight-point gap between them and Leeds, Middlesbrough is eager to close that margin with a victory in this fixture.

Leeds is in excellent form, having not lost any of their last five matches and securing four wins during this period. They understand the importance of maintaining a winning streak to achieve promotion and have remained unbeaten at home since the start of the season.

While the game is expected to be challenging for both clubs, Leeds, being in top shape and enjoying home advantage, is favored to secure the victory.

Take Leeds to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there will be no analysis provided today.

Take Galatasaray to cover the spread

Due to time constraints, there will be no analysis provided today.

Take Sevilla to cover the spread

Newcastle thumped PSG in the first game but it is very different circumstances today and I just cannot see the Geordies getting anything from this game.

Newcastle are hammered by injuries and without their fans screaming the place down they are in a much different scenario to when this game was played in Newcastle.

PSG will be determined to get revenge for the first game humiliation, they are at home, have a strong squad to choose from and are in good form.

Take PSG -0.75

Hard to see anything other than a convincing home win for Lazio this evening in Italy.

The only question for me was would they cover the spread and I believe they will. Lazio has a passionate home crowd that will be in effect a 12th man and they are up against a team that may well be the best in Scotland but one that would struggle to make the top ten in Serie A.

I fully expect Lazio to win and to win by at least 2 goals, I would even have backed them if the spread was -1.5

Take Lazio -1

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

In what promises to be a pivotal clash in the UEFA Champions League group stage, Manchester United is bracing themselves for a formidable challenge as they make the journey to the Allianz Arena to take on Bayern München.

Bayern is undeniably among the top contenders for the prestigious title, and their recent form attests to their prowess. The Bavarian giants are on an impressive streak, having not suffered a single defeat in their last four matches.

On the other hand, Manchester United arrives at this encounter facing a series of struggles in recent weeks. They have faltered in two of their last three Premier League fixtures, and their list of absentees is cause for concern.

To stand any chance of securing a positive result against Bayern, United will need to deliver a performance so good that it is different from anything we have seen all season long and I just do not see that happening.

Brighton dispatched United with ease at the weekend and that was at Old Trafford, against Bayern in Germany I can see the Red Devils taking a proper beating and am backing the Bundesliga champions to win this game and in comfort.

Take Bayern Munich -1.5

Arsenal is set to continue their impressive unbeaten streak as they prepare to host PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League group stage today.

The Gunners have been in outstanding form, securing victory in five of their last six matches across all competitions. Their Premier League campaign has also started on a high note, with four wins from their first five matches.

Arsenal is keen to kickstart their European campaign on a strong footing and holds confidence in their ability to secure a favorable outcome against PSV. The team has a commendable track record against the Dutch side, having emerged victorious in their last three encounters.

On the flip side, PSV arrives with an impressive unbeaten streak of 26 matches across all competitions. Their Eredivisie campaign has also seen them clinch four wins from their initial five matches.

However, PSV has encountered difficulties in recent encounters with Arsenal and faces a challenging task at the Emirates Stadium.

In light of the circumstances, a comfortable win for Arsenal appears reasonable. The Gunners hold the advantage of playing at home and are currently in superior form compared to PSV. 

The spread has been set competitively but I am very confident that Arsenal are more than capable of covering it, especially at home.

Take Arsenal -1.5

This match presents us with a captivating clash between last season's Champions League runners-up, Inter Milan, and Real Sociedad. Both teams are gearing up for their first European encounter of the season.

While Inter Milan enters the match as the favorites, it would be unwise to underestimate Real Sociedad. The Basque side enjoys the advantage of playing on their home turf, where they have performed admirably over the last year or so

Sociedad did lose at the weekend but that was away at Real Madrid and it was a very tight game. It should also be said that Inter did beat bitter local rivals AC Milan 5-1 and that must of course be respected but this will be a whole different proposition for the Italians.

I am not underestimating Inter by any means but away to Sociedad is no easy task and I just do not see them emerging as winners in this game.

Based on my own analysis I have come to the conclusion that the most likely outcome is either a draw or a home win and that is why I am backing Real Sociedad on the spread.

Take Real Sociedad to cover the spread.

The match between Galatasaray and Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League group stage promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with recent strong performances.

Galatasaray enters the game with confidence after a convincing win over Molde in the Champions League qualifying play-offs. They are on an impressive 16-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and have been in excellent form.

On the other hand, Copenhagen is also in good shape, having secured a win over Raków Częstochowa in the qualifiers. They have shown resilience with an unbeaten run in their last three games.

Both teams have strengths, with Galatasaray boasting a strong home record and Copenhagen having performed well away from home.

However, with home advantage and the better overall form I cannot see Copenhagen getting anything from this game.

The big question for me was what spread to take and I have decided to go with -1 as opposed to -0.75 because I have more confidence in the home side winning by 2 or more goals than them winning by just a single goal.

Take Galatasaray -1

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

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

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

Take Feyenoord to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

Take Roma to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

Take Valerenga to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

Take Tromso to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

Take Newcastle to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

Take Tottenham to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

Take Juventus to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

Take PSG to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

Take Italy to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Brighton on the spreads

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

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

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

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

Take Udinese on the spreads

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

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

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

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

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

Take Tottenham to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

Take Leeds to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

Take Sheffield United on the spreads

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Therefore, I am backing Elfsborg to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

Take Lazio to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

Take Rosenborg to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Juventus to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

Take Sandefjord to cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am backing Tottenham to win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Chelsea to win and cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Leipzig to cover the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Hacken to win and cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Viking -1.25.

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

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

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

Back Villa -0.75.

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

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

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

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

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

That is why I am backing Spurs on the spread.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Middlesbrough to win and cover the spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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