00:30 - Toronto FC v Seattle Sounders
Bob Bradley’s Toronto face Brian Schmetzer’s Seattle Sounders in an MLS game at BMO Field this weekend. The home side are in poor form right now, losing seven of the last 10. In contrast, the visitors have picked up five wins from their last eight matches. Toronto are 12th in the Eastern Conference table, while Seattle sit seventh in the Western division.
Toronto have had a pretty miserable time of late. Last time out, Bradley’s boys were beaten at home by Columbus Crew. Seattle have picked up a handful of wins over the past six weeks or so, but they did lose at home to Montreal in their previous outing. Nevertheless, we fancy the Sounders to strike back with a big three points over the border on Canadian turf this Saturday. You can get the very juicy looking odds of 10/3 for the away win and both teams to score in what should be an exciting clash.
03:00 - Vancouver Whitecaps v Los Angeles FC
MLS leaders Los Angeles travel to Canada this weekend to face Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. LAFC are flying right now, as Steve Cherundolo’s troops are five points clear at the top of the Western Conference table. Wales captain Gareth Bale has also joined the club recently and his presence over the coming months is sure to lift the performances of his teammates. Los Angeles will be looking for a fifth win in six matches as they go in search of glory this season.
Vanni Sartini’s Caps have had a mixed bag of results of late, picking up five wins, drawing twice and suffering two defeats from their past nine fixtures. That said, it is worth noting that the Canadians have lost just once at home this term. LAFC have collected 13 points from their last five, and the MLS leaders should secure another victory here. Vancouver will no doubt play their part in an entertaining affair, so check out the solid price of 15/8 for the visitors to win and over 2.5 goals.
22:00 - New York City v Atlanta United
Nick Cushing’s New York City and Gonzalo Pineda’s Atlanta United meet at Yankee Stadium in MLS action this weekend. English-born Cushing has had a tough time since taking over as interim boss after the successful former Celtic manager Ronny Deila departed. City will be looking for their first win in four, while the visitors will be hoping to avoid another defeat on the road.
Deila left New York in great shape, guiding the club to seven wins and a draw from his final eight matches in charge. The club were top of the table when Cushing took over, but a run of two draws and a defeat from three has seen the Pigeons slip down to fourth in the Eastern Conference table. Nonetheless, New York should get back to winning ways here, and we like the look of 7/5 for the hosts to win -1.
00:30 - Columbus Crew v Philadelphia Union
Caleb Porter’s Columbus Crew and Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia Union go head-to-head at Lower.com Field in MLS action this weekend. Columbus are unbeaten in four matches, while Philadelphia lost for the first time since April in their last fixture, so both sides will fancy their chances here. This intriguing all-Eastern Conference meeting could go either way in Ohio but on balance we feel both sides will have to settle for a point.
After suffering successive defeats to New York City and Los Angeles in May, Crew have bounced back with two wins and two draws from four. Despite winning just two of their last 11 league games, Union are sitting in third position in the Eastern table at present. They suffered a rare defeat last time out, but we can see Philadelphia leaving Ohio with a point. Union have drawn very regularly of late - seven of their last ten in fact - and you can get fairly standard, but good value odds of 23/10 for this one to end all square.
01:00 - Minnesota United v Real Salt Lake
Minnesota United welcome Real Salt Lake to Allianz Field in MLS action this weekend. In the Western Conference at present, Minnesota are down in 10th place and struggling with just 21 points to their name. As for Real, they are riding high in third on 29 points. Despite being eight points ahead in the table, Salt Lake are the second favourites at 11/5 in this one but we fancy they will edge it here.
Minnesota ended a run of three straight defeats with a surprise win at LA Galaxy in midweek. That was just their second victory since April. Salt Lake head to Saint Paul in fine fettle, with Pablo Mastroeni’s side sealing five wins from their past eight fixtures. United will still be buzzing after their win in LA, but we fancy Real to nick the points in this one. Back the away side to win by exactly one goal at the chunky price of 3/1.
01:00 - Sporting Kansas City v New York Red Bulls
In MLS this weekend, Sporting Kansas City entertain New York Red Bulls at Children's Mercy Park. Kansas have had a tough season up until now, winning just four of their 18 matches to languish very much at the wrong end of the standings. Only San Jose Earthquakes have picked up fewer points in the Western Conference table. In stark contrast, New York are riding high in the Eastern division, level on points with leaders Montreal.
The Red Bulls picked up a superb midweek win, scoring two late goals to beat Atlanta United at the Red Bull Arena. They have been poor away from home of late, however, losing the last three and taking just one point from a possible 12. Kansas have lost their last two home matches, but we fancy the hosts to hold the Red Bulls to a stalemate. The draw and both teams to score is available at 10/3.
18:00 - Malmo v Vikingur Reykjavik
Malmo and Vikingur Reykjavik go head-to-head at Eleda Stadion in a UEFA Champions League qualifying fixture this Tuesday night. The home side, who won the Swedish top division last term, have been in poor form of late and have lost four of their last six matches. As for the Icelandic outfit, they have already won two Champions League qualifiers so far this season and so have built up some momentum ahead of this contest.
As you might expect, Malmo are the heavy favourites with the bookies despite their poor recent form. Realistically, the Swedes should get the job done over the two legs, but Reykjavik will no doubt play their part and will give it a decent go. Vikingur beat FCI Levadia (6-1) and Inter Club d’Escaldes (1-0) in the preliminary round play-offs to book their spot in the first qualifying round. We like the look of the odds of 8/11 for the Malmo win and both teams to score in the game.
19:00 - Lech Poznan v Qarabag
Polish champions Lech Poznan welcome 2021-22 Azerbaijan Premier League winners Qarabag to Stadion Poznan this Tuesday in a UEFA Champions League first qualifying round fixture. This promises to be an entertaining two-legged affair, which could go either way. Poznan are the slight favourites to get the win on home turf in the opening leg.
Lech Poznan suffered just one home league defeat on their way to winning the Polish title last season. As for Qarabag, they won 21 of 28 league games to win their domestic division and book their spot in the Champions League first qualifying round. This first leg in Poland is a tough one to call, so our money is going on the stalemate. Check out the draw and both teams to score, which is available at the solid odds of 15/4.
19:00 - The New Saints v Linfield
Sides representing the Home Nations, The New Saints and Linfield, do battle at Park Hall on Tuesday in a UEFA Champions League qualifying fixture. The Saints won the Cymru Premier last season, while the Blues finished first in the NIFL Premiership. The New Saints are the bookies’ favourites in this first leg, but Linfield will back themselves to pick up a positive result on their travels.
The Welsh outfit have been incredibly hard to beat on their own patch in recent times. Last season, they suffered just one home loss across all competitions. As we touched on, the Northern Ireland champions will fancy their chances of returning with a positive result, but we fancy the Saints to seal a narrow victory on their own patch. You can get a price of 4/5 for the hosts to come out on top which looks good enough for us.
19:30 - Shamrock Rovers v Hibernians
Stephen Bradley’s Shamrock Rovers take on Stefano Sanderra’s Hibernians of Malta at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin in a UEFA Champions League qualifier on Tuesday night. Rovers are the odds-on favourites to get the win on home turf in midweek and are fancied to progress. The second leg will take place in Ta’ Qali next week.
Shamrock romped their way to the title in the League of Ireland Premier Division last term, collecting a decent total of 78 points from their 36 games. At the time of writing, they are 10 points clear at the top of the table as they hunt down yet another championship. Bradley’s boys have won their last three games and have kept clean sheets in two of those. Overall, they have won without conceding on 10 occasions this term which makes backing Shamrock to win to nil on Tuesday at the decent price of 10/11 a good option in our books.
17:00 - HJK Helsinki v RFS
HJK Helsinki and RFS square off in a UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie this Wednesday at Bolt Arena in Finland’s capital. HJK, who are the reigning Finnish champions, will be hoping to make home advantage count and take a lead to Latvia. The home team are the bookies’ favourites at odds of 7/10, though the visitors might be a tough nut to crack.
HJK won 18 of 27 fixtures last term to win the Finnish title for the 31st time. As for RFS, they collected 66 points from 28 games to pick up the Latvian title for the first time in the club’s history. The Riga side are capable of causing an upset in Helsinki, and we are backing Viktors Morozs’ men to nick a draw in this one. You can get a price of 5/1 for the draw at half time and full time which looks a decent bet to us.
19:30 - Slovan Bratislava v Dinamo Batumi
Vladimir Weiss’s Slovan Bratislava entertain Gia Geguchadze’s Dinamo Batumi in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie. The first game will take place at Tehelne pole in the Slovakian capital this Wednesday night. Bratislava are the big favourites to get the win and take a lead to the second leg in Georgia.
Slovan won the 2021-22 Fortuna Liga, winning 16, drawing five and losing one of 22. It was their fourth successive Slovak title. Dinamo Batumi won the top league in Georgia last term, beating Dinamo Tbilisi to the crown by five points. The away team will be no pushovers in Slovakia, but Bratislava should secure the victory on home soil. There is decent value in the odds of 6/4 for the hosts to be winning at half time and full time in this one.
20:00 - England Women v Austria Women
The opening game of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament will kick off on Wednesday, as hosts England welcome Austria to Old Trafford. The Lionesses go into the tournament in outstanding form, and Sarina Wiegman’s girls will want to get things up and running with a comfortable victory in front of what should be a raucous crowd. Northern Ireland and Norway are also in Group A, but England are the favourites to finish at the top of the tree.
Since losing to Canada in a friendly back in April 2021, England have been in devastating form. They have picked up a staggering 12 wins from 14 games, drawing the other two. After a goalless draw with Spain in February, the English have won six on the spin, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two. The hosts should be too good for the Austrians here, and we are backing England to win both halves of this tournament opener, which is available at odds of 6/5.
20:00 - Bodo/Glimt v KI Klaksvik
Bodo/Glimt of Norway face Icelandic side KI Klaksvik in a UEFA Champions League qualifier this Wednesday. The first leg of their first qualifying round tie will be held at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodo, with the second game taking place next Tuesday in Klaksvik. The Norwegian champions are the overwhelming favourites to go through and we can’t smell an upset here.
Glimt have won the Eliteserien two years running, but they have had a tough 2022 season up until now. At the time of writing, Bodo are in sixth position after 12 games played, picking up five wins, drawing four times and suffering three defeats. Still, they will want to put their poor league form to the back of their mind and secure a comfortable European victory in midweek. Take a punt on the hosts to win with a -2 goal handicap at odds of 10/11.
20:00 - Norway Women v Northern Ireland Women
Norway and Northern Ireland meet at St Mary’s in Southampton on Thursday in the second game of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament. This is an historic occasion for the Northern Irish, as they will be playing their first ever European Championship finals match. Kenny Shiels’ troops are the huge underdogs, with the bookies offering 33/1 for the Green and White Army to prevail. To give some context, Norway are 20/1 to win the tournament, whilst their opponents here are way, way out at odds of 300/1!
Norway are in good form and could be one of the dark horses in this summer’s competition. Martin Sjogren’s ladies have picked up five wins in a row and have lost just two matches in the past year. These two met in qualifying, with the Norwegians winning 6-0 both home and away, which gives an even clearer indication as to how this one might well go. Norway should secure another routine victory, and you can get 1/2 for the Grasshoppers to win to nil.
17:00 - Spain Women v Finland Women
Spain and Finland go head-to-head in Group B of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 at Stadium MK this Friday. The Spaniards are currently the favourites to lift the trophy in England, priced at odds of 4/1, narrowly ahead of the 9/2 hosts. Jorge Vilda’s girls will be looking to get off to a winning start in Milton Keynes and it is hard to see anything other than a simple win for them. La Roja are the overwhelming favourites, with the bookmakers offering just 1/28 for a Spain win and the Finns way out at 80/1!
The Spanish ladies are in stunning form, unbeaten since losing to USA in a SheBelieves Cup game way back in March 2020. They have gone on to win 19 and draw four of 23, shipping just three goals along the way. In contrast, the Finns have claimed only one victory in their previous nine, losing six of those. Spain should dominate this one, and we fancy La Roja to win both halves at 4/9, whilst they are also worth backing to win to nil against a side who are surely out of their depth here.
20:00 - Germany Women v Denmark Women
On Friday night at the Brentford Community Stadium in the English capital, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s Germany and Lars Sondergaard’s Denmark clash in a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Group B fixture. The Germans are the odds-on favourites in this one, but the Danes will be no pushovers in west London. Denmark arrive at the Euros having won four of the last five and both of these nations will feel they have what it takes to go deep in the tournament.
Germany are currently priced at 8/1 to win the Euros outright, and Voss-Tecklenburg’s girls could be a team to watch out for in England. Denmark’s form has been solid, but we can see the Germans edging a tight game at the Brentford Community Stadium. Denmark nicked a 2-1 win when they last met – this time, we are backing Germany to win by one goal, which is nicely priced at 13/5.
17:00 - Portugal Women v Switzerland Women
Francisco Neto’s Portugal take on Nils Nielsen’s Switzerland in a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 fixture at Leigh Sports Village this Saturday evening. With Netherlands and Sweden also competing in Group C, this is arguably the toughest group of the Euros. The Swiss are the favourites in Leigh, but the Portuguese could be a tough nut to crack.
Portugal are in fine fettle, winning three and drawing one of their past four matches. In contrast, Switzerland’s form has been dreadful in recent months, as Nielsen’s ladies have drawn two and lost four of their last six matches. The Swiss lost 7-0 and 4-0 in their two Euro 2022 warm-up matches last month. This is a tough one to call, so our money is going on the stalemate. You can get odds of 15/4 for the draw and both teams to score, which looks good to us.
18:00 - New York City v New England Revolution
New York City and New England Revolution go head-to-head at Yankee Stadium in MLS this Saturday. The Pigeons have failed to win since Ronny Deila departed, with interim head coach Nick Cushing drawing three and losing one of his opening four fixtures in charge. Can he get his first victory this weekend?
New York were top of the Eastern Conference table when Deila left, but a poor run of just three points from a possible 12 has seen City slip down to fourth. New England have had a steady season up until now, winning six, losing five and drawing seven of their opening 18 matches. Bruce Arena’s Revs head to the Big Apple on a 10-game undefeated run, picking up four wins and drawing six. We fancy New England to leave New York with a point, and the draw is priced at odds of 16/5.
20:00 - Netherlands Women v Sweden Women
Mark Parsons’ Netherlands and Peter Gerhardsson’s Sweden lock horns in a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 fixture at Bramall Lane this Saturday. These two are among the favourites to win the competition, so we should be in for a fascinating fixture in Sheffield. Who will come out on top and start their tournament with a big three points?
Netherlands head to England in fine fettle, winning five of their previous seven fixtures. The Dutch have been tough to beat over the past year or so, suffering just two losses in normal time since June 2021. The Swedes are unbeaten since losing to Canada in the final of the Olympics last summer, winning 11 of their next 12 games. This could go either way, but we fancy in-form Sweden to nick it. Take a punt on Gerhardsson’s girls to win by one goal at odds of 3/1.
21:30 - Seattle Sounders v Portland Timbers
Brian Schmetzer’s Seattle Sounders and Giovanni Savarese’s Portland Timbers square off at Lumen Field in MLS action on Saturday. Seattle find themselves in seventh place in the Western Conference table right now, with Portland three spots and three points behind in tenth. This MLS fixture in Washington could swing either way.
Seattle’s form has picked up over the past couple of months or so, as they head into this one having secured six wins from their previous nine matches. After three straight defeats, the Timbers are back in form, winning two and drawing two of four. This is a tough one to call, but we can see in-form Portland snatching all three points at Lumen Field. There is good value in the price of 6/1 for the away victory and both teams to score.
00:30 - Cincinnati v New York Red Bulls
New York Red Bulls make the trip to TQL Stadium in Ohio this weekend to play Cincinnati. After back-to-back wins over Atlanta United and Sporting Kansas City, the Red Bulls have fired their way to the top of the Eastern Conference table, with Orange and Blue currently seven points behind in fifth. Can New York pick up another precious three points at the weekend?
Cincinnati’s form has slowed up of late, as the Ohio club have claimed just one victory in their past six games. However, they are undefeated in four (one win, three draws) so they will still fancy their chances here. Metro have won four of their last six though, and Gerhard Struber’s troops will also fancy their chances of securing all three points in Cincinnati this weekend. Their last two victories have been by a one-goal margin so back New York to win by exactly one again here at the very nice price of 3/1.
03:00 - Real Salt Lake v Colorado Rapids
Pablo Mastroeni’s Real Salt Lake and Robin Fraser’s Colorado Rapids do battle in MLS action at Rio Tinto Stadium at the weekend. The home side have won four of their last seven but were beaten at Minnesota United last time out. The Rapids are in poor form, losing three and drawing one of their past four MLS fixtures. Salt Lake are the odds-on favourites here and we simply have to support them at a shade under evens.
Real are flying high in third position in the Western Conference table at present, taking 29 points from 18 fixtures. As for Colorado, who won the division last term, they languish down in 12th after a tough campaign thus far. The Rapids have failed to win away from home this season, and we can see that bad run continuing this weekend. Put some money on the Salt Lake win at 10/11.
17:00 - Belgium Women v Iceland Women
Belgium and Iceland square off in a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 matchup this Sunday. Whilst the tournament curtain-raiser was in front of a packed house at Old Trafford, this more low-key opening game of Group D will be held at the Academy Stadium in Manchester. France and Italy are also in the group. These two nations look tough to split on paper, with the Belgians the slight favourites going in. We could see a tight and tense affair in Manchester and with little energy coming from the stands this may not be a thriller.
That said, both teams are in good form ahead of this Euros opener. Belgium have won 13 of their past 18 matches across all competitions, while Iceland have picked up 13 victories from their previous 17. These two last met six years ago, with Iceland running out narrow 2-1 winners. Sunday’s game is too close to call, so we are backing the draw. The 1-1 stalemate at 11/2 has caught the eye.
20:00 - France Women v Italy Women
The final match of the first round of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 will see France and Italy meet at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium in Group D on Sunday night, a venue that is certainly more South Yorkshire than New York! Both nations will be hoping to go far at this summer’s European Championship on English soil, but Les Bleus are the bookies’ favourites in this one. Will the French, priced at 6/1 to win the whole thing, get off to a winning start on Sunday?
France arrive at the Euros as one of the form nations. They have won every game since a 2-0 loss to USA in a friendly back in April last year. Their last competitive defeat came to America at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Italians are in fine form themselves, and are also in with a real chance of going all the way, but France should get the job done in Rotherham. Check out the tempting price of 6/5 for the French to win -1.
17:00 - Austria Women v Northern Ireland Women
Austria and Northern Ireland go head-to-head at St Mary’s in Group A of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 on Monday evening. Norn Iron’s first ever major tournament game may have ended in defeat on Thursday, but it was a momentous occasion for Kenny Shiels and his girls. The Northern Irish are the massive underdogs once again, with Shiels having spoken about how even by qualifying they have achieved so much.
Irene Fuhrmann’s Austrians put up a brave fight against England at Old Trafford in the opening game of the championship on Wednesday, falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat. Given the results the Lionesses have been achieving of late that was a very decent show by Fuhrmann’s troops who possibly deserved a draw. The following day, Martin Sjogren’s Norwegians thumped Northern Ireland 4-1 in Southampton. Unfortunately for Shiels’ team, we can see Austria securing a comfortable victory at St Mary’s this Monday. We like the look of Austria to win -2, which is available at the solid odds of 5/4.
20:00 - England Women v Norway Women
After kicking off UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 with a win, England will secure qualification to the knockout stages with three points on Monday. Sarina Wiegman’s in-form Lionesses welcome Martin Sjogren’s Norway to Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium on matchday two. The English are the odds-on favourites with the bookies and we expect them to grow into the tournament and deliver the goods here.
England picked up narrow win over Austria at Old Trafford in game one, with Beth Mead’s goal in the 16th minute doing the damage. Wiegman’s girls were not at their best, but the English got the job done on what was a pressure-packed occasion. Norway are top of Group A after a comfortable win over Northern Ireland in Southampton, but this will be a far tougher test for Martin Sjogren’s Grasshoppers. Have a punt on the host nation to be winning at half time and full time at odds of 13/8.
17:00 - Denmark Women v Finland Women
On Tuesday evening, Denmark and Finland clash at Stadium MK in UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Group B. Both sides started their competition last week with heavy defeats, so this is a vital fixture for the pair. Despite suffering a damaging 4-0 hammering at the hands of Germany in game one, the Danes are the odds-on favourites to get the points in this one.
Finland stunned Spain by taking a first-minute lead in Milton Keynes, but the Spaniards showed their class and went on to prevail 4-1. Denmark were comprehensively outplayed by a rampant Germany outfit at the Brentford Community Stadium in west London in their opener. Like we said, Denmark are fancied with the bookies, but we are backing the Finns to battle to a draw in this one. Put some money on the draw and both teams to score at odds of 11/2.
17:00 - Qarabag v Lech Poznan
Qarabag and Lech Poznan meet in Baku on Tuesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie. The Polish side picked up a narrow win in front of over 25,000 fans at Stadion Poznan last week. However, the Azerbaijan Premier League champions are the bookies’ favourites to get the victory on home soil.
It was a tight and tense first leg in Poland last Tuesday. Just before half time, Mikael Ishak struck the only goal of the game to give John van den Brom’s boys a 1-0 home win. Qarabag more than played their part on Polish turf, and a 1-0 loss was not a disastrous result. We are backing the Horsemen to turn things around on their own patch and book their spot in the next round. Take a punt on Qarabag to win with a -1 goal handicap at a price of 9/4.
19:00 - Hibernians v Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers make the trip to Centenary Stadium in Malta this week to face Hibernians in UEFA Champions League qualifying. The first leg of this first qualifying round tie went Rovers’ way, and Stephen Bradley’s side have a handy lead to protect in Ta’ Qali. Will the League of Ireland Premier League Division champions complete the job and progress to round two?
Shamrock were too good for the Maltese outfit when the duo locked horns in the first leg at Tallaght Stadium last week. Ronan Finn’s 25th-minute effort sent them on their way, with Dylan Watts doubling Rovers’ advantage five minutes before the break. Rory Gaffney added a third late on to add gloss to the scoreline. We can see more of the same in this one, and you can get the solid price of 7/4 for the Hoops to win to nil once again.
20:00 - Germany Women v Spain Women
One of the standout group games from this summer’s UEFA Women’s European Championship takes place on Tuesday, as Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s Germany and Jorge Vilda’s Spain go head-to-head at the Brentford Community Stadium. The pair have three points apiece after comfortable wins in game one, but who will come out on top in the English capital here?
The Germans kicked off their campaign with an emphatic 4-0 win over Denmark in Brentford, with Lina Magull, Lea Schuller, Lena Lattwein and Alexandra Popp netting. As for the Spaniards, goals from Irene Paredes, Aitana Bonmati, Lucia Garcia and Mariona Caldentey gave them a resounding 4-1 triumph over Finland. With so much class in both teams, they could cancel each other out in London, but we fancy Spain to nick a 1-0 win which is available to back at odds of 15/2.
20:00 - Sutjeska Niksic v Ludogorets Razgrad
Milija Savovic’s Sutjeska Niksic and Ante Simundza’s Ludogorets Razgrad go head-to-head at DG Arena in midweek in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie. Razgrad have a handsome lead in the tie after a 2-0 home win in leg one. The Bulgarian champions will be looking for a comfortable victory in Podgorica on Tuesday night.
Ludogorets were made to work for their 2-0 win by the Montenegrin club last week. The away side held strong until Alex Santana opened the scoring 15 minutes from time. Right at the death, Matias Tissera made it two. Razgrad should see the job through in Bulgaria and seal their passage through to the second qualifying round. Take a punt on the visitors to be winning at half time and full time at the decent odds of 6/5.
17:00 - Sweden Women v Switzerland Women
Peter Gerhardsson’s Sweden and Nils Nielsen’s Switzerland lock horns in Group C of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament on Wednesday. This game will be held at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane venue in South Yorkshire. The first Group C matches ended in draws, leaving this group wide open. The Swedes are the odds-on favourites in Sheffield, but can the Swiss cause an upset?
On matchday one, Sweden drew 1-1 with Netherlands at Bramall Lane, while Switzerland drew 2-2 with Portugal in Leigh. The Swiss were 2-0 up after just five minutes, but two second-half goals from the Portuguese took two points away. Sweden are fancied in this one, and Gerhardsson’s girls should nick the points. Take a punt on the Blue and Yellow to win and both teams to score at odds of 11/5 in what should be an entertaining match.
18:00 - Shakhtyor Soligorsk v Maribor
Shakhtyor Soligorsk and Maribor meet at New Sakarya Stadium in Adapazarı, Turkey this Wednesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie. The Belarusians did well to hold the Slovenian champions to a draw in the first leg, but can they get the better of Maribor in Turkey in midweek?
There was nothing to split Maribor and Shakhtyor in the first leg last Wednesday, with the game ending in a goalless draw at Ljudski vrt. This will no doubt be another tight tussle, which could go either way. Soligorsk may not have home advantage, but Sergei Tashuyev’s troops will fancy their chances on Turkish turf. It could be close on the scoreline, so have a punt on Shakhtyor to win by one goal at odds of 3/1.
19:45 - Linfield v The New Saints
Northern Ireland’s Linfield take on Welsh side The New Saints in UEFA Champions League qualifying in midweek. After a narrow victory on home turf in last week’s first leg, the champions of Wales will back themselves to complete the job in Belfast and book their spot in the second qualifying round. However, David Healy’s Blues will not go down without a fight.
As was anticipated before a ball was kicked in Oswestry, the first leg was a tight and tense affair. After a goalless first half, Ryan Brobbel popped up in the 57th minute to score the only goal of the game to give the Saints a 1-0 win. Linfield will throw everything at the Welsh team on Wednesday, but a draw would be enough for The New Saints. You can get odds of 11/5 for this to end all square in the 90 minutes.
20:00 - Netherlands Women v Portugal Women
On Wednesday night at Leigh Sports Village in Greater Manchester, Netherlands and Portugal do battle in UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Holland battled hard to earn a draw with Sweden in their Euro opener, while the Portuguese kicked off Group C with a thrilling 2-2 draw with Switzerland. As you would expect, the Dutch are the overwhelming favourites in this one.
Netherlands and Sweden have been tipped to go far in England this summer, and the pair played out a tense draw in Sheffield on Saturday. As for Portugal, they were 2-0 down after just five minutes against the Swiss, but second-half goals from Diana Gomes and Jessica Silva earned them a point. Unfortunately for the Portuguese, we fancy Netherlands to pick up an easy win here and we’ll be backing the Dutch to win both halves at a fair enough price of 7/4.
02:00 - FC Dallas v New York City
Dallas and New York City clash in midweek MLS action at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The home side sit fourth in the Western Conference table presently after picking up 28 points from 19 games. As for the visitors, they are third in the Eastern division with 32 points to their name. This MLS matchup could go either way but we think the visitors will just have enough to nick it.
Dallas are looking for their first win in six after drawing three and losing two of their previous five. The home team have sealed just one victory in eight and have not won at home since early May. After four games without a win, New York picked up a massive three points last weekend, beating New England Revolution 4-2 at Yankee Stadium. Back City to come out on top in this one at the decent price of 8/5.
03:00 - LA Galaxy v San Jose Earthquakes
Our second game of the day is a derby as Californian clubs LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes meet in MLS action at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson in midweek. Galaxy will still be licking their wounds after losing to rivals Los Angeles last time out. Still, the hosts are unbeaten at home in four and will be gunning for all three points in front of their own supporters in this one.
LA Galaxy are in fifth position in the Western Conference, collecting a respectable 27 points from 18 matches. In contrast, San Jose are rock bottom of the Western division, winning four, drawing seven and losing seven of their opening 18. Galaxy will be looking to get back on track after last weekend’s disappointing defeat, and we are backing the home side to claim an easy win in midweek. San Jose have really struggled this term and we don’t expect improvement here. You can get very nice odds of 3/1 for Greg Vanney’s men to win both halves.
17:00 - Italy Women v Iceland Women
Italy and Iceland square off at the Academy Stadium in Manchester for their second group game of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament. The Italians will be desperate to bounce back from their humbling defeat to France on matchday one and to keep themselves in the hunt for a place in the next round. As for the Icelanders, they drew 1-1 with Belgium in their opening match. Italy need maximum points from this one but we think they may come up short.
Le Azzurre crashed to an embarrassing defeat to the French in their opening fixture, conceding five goals in the first period to lose 5-1 at the New York Stadium in Rotherham. Iceland let a lead slip to draw 1-1 with the Belgians in Manchester but looked a decent side. Both nations will want the points, but we can see the pair cancelling each other out. There is good value in the draw and both teams to score at the nice price of 10/3, whilst another 1-1 draw for Iceland also appeals at a bigger price.
20:00 - France Women v Belgium Women
After a five-star show against Italy in their opening UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 fixture, France will book their place in the knockout stages with three points against Belgium on Thursday. This Group D matchup will take place at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium in South Yorkshire. Corrine Diacre’s girls are the overwhelming favourites with the bookies and we expect them to ease to another three points.
France picked up a stunning result over Italy in game one, blowing the Italians away with five goals in the first half in the eventual 5-1 victory in Rotherham. Belgium came from behind to nick a 1-1 draw with Iceland at the Academy Stadium in Manchester in their opening fixture. We fancy France to claim another big win on Thursday so take a punt on Diacre’s Bleus to win -2 at the solid odds of 11/10.
20:00 - Northern Ireland Women v England Women
Home nations Northern Ireland and England do battle at St Mary’s in a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Group A game this Friday night. The Lionesses are through to the next stage after two wins out of two, while Norn Iron are out having lost their opening two fixtures. The English are the overwhelming favourites to get the win in Southampton and against the part-timers they should record another comfortable win.
After a narrow success over Austria in game one, England really came to life on matchday two. Sarina Wiegman’s ladies blew Norway away at the Amex Stadium, scoring eight goals without reply. Northern Ireland have suffered defeats to the Austrians and Norwegians and have been eliminated but they have acquitted themselves reasonably well. They may be out of their depth here though and this should be a walk in the park for the hosts – there is decent value in 1/2 for England to win both halves at St Mary’s.
20:00 - Austria Women v Norway Women
Austria and Norway square off in Group A of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 this Friday. England are safely through to the knockouts after rather contrasting performances in their games against this duo, but who will join the host nation in the next round? Both have taken three points from a possible six, so the winners will progress, making this sure to be a spicy affair. This promises to be an entertaining group encounter at Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium but we fancy the Austrians to prevail.
Irene Fuhrmann’s side put up a brave fight against England in game one of this European Championship, falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat in front of almost 70,000 at Old Trafford. They then beat Northern Ireland 2-0 at St Mary’s in game two to keep themselves in the hunt for a knockout berth. The Norwegians crashed to a humbling 8-0 loss to the Lionesses last time out, and with the two-time Euros champions shell-shocked, our money is going on Austria here. You can get big odds of 5/2 for the Austrians to win -1.
20:00 - Denmark Women v Spain Women
Denmark and Spain meet in a huge UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 group game at the Brentford Community Stadium this Saturday night. Germany are through after two excellent Group B wins, and the winners of this one will join them in the knockouts. After losing to the Germans in their last one, La Roja will be looking to get back to winning ways here.
Jorge Vilda’s team were one of the tournament favourites before a ball was kicked in England, but Tuesday’s loss to Germany was a real setback. Injuries have shorn them, and the tournament, of two of the best players in the world, including current Ballon d’Or winner, Alexia Putellas, but even so, they were still well fancied. The Danes kept their knockout stage hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Finland. However, a wounded Spain, even without Putellas, should be too strong for Lars Sondergaard’s girls on Saturday. You can get very solid looking odds of 20/21 for Spain to be winning at half time and full time in the English capital.
20:00 - Finland Women v Germany Women
On Saturday night, Finland and Germany go head-to-head in their final group match of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. The Germans are already in the knockouts after two impressive victories so far and at the time of writing they are priced at odds of just 7/2 to go all the way. As for the Finns, they are eliminated after suffering two losses from two. Die Nationalelf may be through, but Martina Voss-Tecklenburg will be demanding another strong performance from her side.
Finland were knocked out of Group B after a narrow loss to Denmark in Milton Keynes on Tuesday. In contrast, Germany booked their spot in the next round with a superb 2-0 win over one-time tournament favourites Spain at the Brentford Community Stadium. We fancy Voss-Tecklenburg’s ladies to make it three victories from three in style this weekend. Check out the solid odds of 21/20 for Germany to win -2 at Stadium MK as they cement their place among the favourites.
02:00 - Colorado Rapids v LA Galaxy
Heading Stateside, and Colorado Rapids host LA Galaxy at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in MLS action this weekend. The Rapids won the Western Conference last term but have had a disappointing 2022 campaign thus far, currently sitting way down in 13th and with just 21 points to their name. As for Galaxy, they will be desperate to hit back after two defeats on the spin. This is a huge game for both sides but we think they may just end up cancelling each other out, albeit in an entertaining contest.
Colorado head into this home fixture winless in six, drawing three and losing three. In midweek, they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Orlando City. Galaxy have suffered back-to-back losses to fellow Californian clubs Los Angeles and San Jose Earthquakes. Both will want the points, but we fancy the pair to cancel each other out. Check out the draw and both teams to score at the very big price of 7/2, with another 1-1 for the Rapids also worth backing at longer odds.
17:00 - Sweden Women v Portugal Women
Sweden and Portugal meet in UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Group C in the decidedly low-key surrounds of Leigh Sports Village on Sunday evening. The group is still wide open, with Netherlands and Sweden on four points each, while Portugal and Switzerland both have one. A draw will take the Swedes through, and Peter Gerhardsson’s side are the clear favourites with the bookies, a verdict we cannot disagree with.
Sweden have kicked off the Euros with four points from a possible six. After a draw with the Dutch in game one, they edged past the Swiss at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on matchday two. Portugal have been involved in two thrillers, but Francisco Neto’s troops have just one point to show for their efforts and are up against it here. The Swedes should come out on top in comfortable fashion in this clash, and we like the look of odds the right side of evens (21/20) for Sweden to win -1.
17:00 - Switzerland Women v Netherlands Women
At Bramall Lane on Saturday, Switzerland and Netherlands go head-to-head in a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 fixture. The Dutch, defending champions, are joint top of Group C and look a good bet to reach the next round in England. A draw will be enough, but Mark Parsons’ girls will be looking for maximum points in Sheffield. As expected, Orange are the odds-on favourites and once again, we think the bookies have called this right.
Switzerland are still in a with a shout of making the last eight, but they need to beat Netherlands and hope for an unlikely Portugal victory against Sweden. Holland have not been at their best on English soil so far, but they should be too hot to handle for the Swiss in Sheffield on Saturday. We are backing an easy win for the Dutch, so check out the tempting price of 11/10 for them to be winning at half time and full time.
22:00 - New York Red Bulls v New York City
The big game in MLS sees New York Red Bulls and New York City clash in the Hudson River Derby at the Red Bull Arena this weekend. The city rivals are flying high in the Eastern Conference right now, with New York in second and the Red Bulls two points behind in third. Both clubs are hunting down leaders Philadelphia Union. Will we see a winner in this MLS derby matchup or might it be a typically tight, tense, derby stalemate?
Since losing at Los Angeles in late June, New York Red Bulls have bounced back by taking seven points from a possible nine. It took interim boss Nick Cushing time to settle in after Ronny Deila’s departure, but he has guided New York to wins over New England Revolution and Dallas in the last two. We fancy City to make it three victories on the spin at the weekend. The away win is very nicely priced at 11/5.
01:30 - Nashville v Los Angeles FC
This weekend in MLS, Nashville entertain Los Angeles at Geodis Park in an all-Western Conference encounter. LAFC are second on 39 points, with Nashville nine points behind in third so this clash will attract a lot of media attention Stateside. After seeing off rivals LA Galaxy in a five-goal thriller in their last game, can Los Angeles keep the pressure on leaders Austin by taking maximum points in Tennessee?
LAFC may have recently lost top spot in MLS, but Steven Cherundolo’s men are enjoying a fine season and are certainly the team to beat this year. Nashville are going well in third and are in decent form, but we can see Los Angeles returning home with all three points in the bag. Based on recent results, this promises to be an entertaining game, so put some money on the away win and over 2.5 goals at the very chunky looking price of 7/2.
02:30 - Real Salt Lake v Sporting Kansas City
Pablo Mastroeni’s Real Salt Lake welcome Peter Vermes’ Sporting Kansas City to Rio Tinto Stadium in MLS this weekend. Salt Lake are riding high in fourth position in the Western Conference at present, collecting 30 points from 20 games. In contrast, Kansas prop up the table, though they are only 10 points behind the home team.
Real Salt Lake will be looking for their first victory in five after two draws and two defeats. Despite their poor form, Mastroeni’s side remain unbeaten at Rio Tinto Stadium this term, winning six and drawing three of nine. Kansas City won in Montreal recently, but they have suffered seven away defeats this season and have really struggled on the road. The hosts should make home advantage count, and we like the look of 17/2 for Salt Lake to win –1, with 2-0 also worth a pop at even bigger odds.
20:00 - Iceland Women v France Women
Iceland and France square off at the New York Stadium in Rotherham on Sunday in Group D of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Having already picked up two wins, the French are into the last eight as group winners. Thanks to their form and performances they are among the three real favourites to go all the way, alongside Germany and England. Corinne Diacre’s side will play the runners-up of Group C back in Rotherham on 23rd July. Before thinking about that quarter-final, Les Bleus will be looking for another victory.
France blew Italy away in game one, sealing a stunning 5-1 victory to make all the other teams sit up and take notice. They then beat Belgium 2-1 on Thursday night to secure their spot in the knockouts. Iceland have been competitive so far, drawing 1-1 with both the Belgians and Italians. However, this will be a tough task for the Icelanders and they may find themselves a little out of their depth against top-class opposition. France should end Group D with another routine win – you can get decent odds of 15/8 for Diacre’s girls to win both halves.
20:00 - Italy Women v Belgium Women
Milena Bertolini’s Italy and Ives Serneels’ Belgium meet at the Academy Stadium in Manchester on Sunday night. With France already through, only one knockout place is up for grabs in UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Group D. Iceland are currently in second place, but they take on the in-form French in their last game, so the chances are that the winners of this one will be the ones to progress to the quarters.
Italy recovered from their heavy 5-1 loss to France in game one with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with the Icelanders in Manchester last time out. Belgium drew 1-1 with Iceland before suffering a narrow loss to France on matchday two. The Italians are the favourites in this one, but we can see the duo playing out a draw at the Academy Stadium. Given the way this group has played out thus far, the 1-1 stalemate is standing out at the top odds of 11/2.
18:00 - Ludogorets Razgrad v Shamrock Rovers
Ludogorets Razgrad and Shamrock Rovers meet in UEFA Champions League qualifying, with the first leg of this second-round tie taking place Ludogorets Arena in Bulgaria on Tuesday night. Rovers, who won the League of Ireland Premier Division last term, eased past Hibernians in the previous round. Can they cause an upset in Razgrad in midweek?
Ludogorets booked their spot in the second qualifying round with a comfortable 3-0 aggregate victory over Montenegrin side Sutjeska Niksic. They won 2-0 at home and 1-0 on the road. Shamrock also won 3-0 on aggregate in their first qualifying tie. The Irish side will no doubt put up a brave fight on Tuesday, but the hosts should get the job done on home soil. Check out the tempting odds of 11/10 for Ludogorets to win with a -1 goal handicap.
18:00 - Zalgiris Vilnius v Malmo
Milos Milojevic takes his Malmo troops to Lithuania on Tuesday to play Vladimir Cheburin’s Zalgiris Vilnius in UEFA Champions League qualifying. The Blue Ones won Sweden’s top division last term and are the red-hot favourites to get the better of Zalgiris over the two legs. Can they start with an away victory at LFF Stadium on Tuesday?
Zalgiris edged past Ballkani of Kosovo in the last round, needing extra time to get the job done. Malmo were involved in two classics with Vikingur Reykjavik, winning 6-5 on aggregate to go through. The Swedish side will be hoping for an easier ride in this one, and Milojevic’s men should cruise into the next round. We fancy Malmo to be winning at half time and full time on Tuesday night, which is nicely priced at odds of 7/4.
18:45 - Midtjylland v Larnaca
Bo Henriksen’s Midtjylland and Jose Luis Oltra’s Larnaca go head-to-head at MCH Arena this Tuesday in UEFA Champions League qualifying. The Wolves finished second in the top flight in Denmark last season, while the Green-yellows were runners-up in the First Division in Cyprus. Midtjylland are fancied to progress to the next round.
Midtjylland have become a familiar face in the group stage of the Champions League in recent times, and this current crop of Wolves players will be wanting to secure their spot in this year’s competition. They are the clear favourites to reach the third qualifying round, with the bookies offering just 2/5 for a home win on Tuesday. It should be a comfortable evening for the Danes, and we like the look of the price of evens for Midtjylland to win the game to nil.
19:45 - Linfield v Bodo/Glimt
NIFL Premiership champions Linfield continue their UEFA Champions League journey when Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt visit Windsor Park this Tuesday. The winners of this two-legged tie will progress through to the third qualifying round. The Blues got the better of Welsh side The New Saints in the last round, but can David Healy’s men shock the Norwegian champions in midweek?
Linfield scored in the 94th minute against The New Saints to take the tie to extra time, and Ethan Devine then netted the winner early in the first period. As for Bodo/Glimt, they beat KI Klaksvik in the last round. However, after a 3-0 home win, Norway’s champions were beaten 3-1 on the road to sneak through in the end. This could be another tricky tie for Kjetil Knutsen’s boys, and we fancy the draw and both teams to score in Belfast which is available to back at odds of 9/2.
18:00 - Maccabi Haifa v Olympiacos
Barak Bakhar’s Maccabi Haifa and Pedro Martins’ Olympiacos meet at the Sammy Ofer Stadium this Wednesday for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie. Maccabi are the reigning Israeli champions, while the visitors won the Super League Greece last term. This promises to be an entertaining two-legged knockout game.
These two met in the Champions League back in the 2002-03 season, with Haifa picking up a 3-0 win in the home match (which was played in Nicosia) and a 3-3 draw on the road. On paper, there is not a lot to split these two, and we can see the duo playing out another entertaining stalemate 20 years on. You can get the solid price of 7/2 for the draw and both teams to score at the Sammy Ofer Stadium.
19:00 - Dynamo Kiev v Fenerbahce
On Wednesday night, Dynamo Kiev and Fenerbahce lock horns in one of the standout ties of the second round of UEFA Champions League qualifying. This first leg will be held on neutral ground at Stadion Miejski in Lodz, Poland. Without home advantage, Kiev are the second favourites in this one. Still, can they take a positive result to the second leg in Turkey?
Fenerbahce are a club back on the up, and the Yellow Canaries finished runners-up to Trabzonspor in the 2021-22 Super Lig. Kiev also finished second in their respective league last term. The bookies are having a hard time separating these two, and it could go either way in Poland. However, we fancy Fenerbahce to secure a narrow victory – you can get decent odds of 11/1 for the away side to win 2-1 which looks like it could be worth a punt.
19:00 - Ferencvaros v Slovan Bratislava
Ferencvaros of Hungary entertain Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava at the Ferencvaros Stadium in Budapest in a UEFA Champions League qualifier this Wednesday night. The home team are the odds-on favourites to win this first leg, but can last season’s Fortuna Liga winners cause an upset in the Hungarian capital in midweek?
In the first qualifying round, Ferencvaros got the better of Kazakhstan outfit Tobol. They were held to a goalless draw in game one, but the Hungarians ran riot in the home leg, running out emphatic 5-1 winners in Budapest. Bratislava edged past Georgian team Dinamo Batumi, needing extra time to nick a 2-1 aggregate win. Ferencvaros are a tough nut to crack on their own patch, and there is good value in 7/5 for the hosts to win with a -1 goal handicap on Wednesday.
20:00 - England Women v Spain Women
The knockout stage of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament begins this week and there are plenty of sides hoping to build up the momentum they need to go all the way. On Wednesday, hosts England welcome pre-competition favourites Spain to the Amex Stadium in Brighton. This promises to be a fascinating quarter-final, which could go either way. However, Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are the bookies’ favourites at odds of evens.
England were scintillating in the group stage, winning three out of three and scoring a staggering 14 goals. Spain have not been at their best on English soil, but they did pick up two wins in Group B to finish runners-up to Germany. England have yet to concede a goal in this European Championship, and we are backing the hosts to secure their spot in the semi-finals in style. Have a punt on the English to win to nil again at odds of 9/4.
20:00 - Germany Women v Austria Women
Germany and Austria meet in quarter-final number two of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament in England. Thursday’s knockout game will be held at the Brentford Community Stadium in west London. The Germans have been ruthless so far, winning three out of three and scoring nine goals. Will the Group B winners ease into the last four against one of the two nations (along with Belgium) who are thought not to have any serious chance of lifting the trophy?
Germany booked their spot in the knockouts with comfortable wins over Denmark, Spain and Finland. As for the Austrians, they finished runners-up to tournament hosts England in Group A, giving Lionesses a really tough game in the tournament’s opening clash. Die Nationalelf have been very easy on the eye in this European Championship, and Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s girls should be too strong for Austria in Brentford. We fancy Germany to dominate this one, and there is good value in 13/8 for the Germans to win both halves.
20:00 - Sweden Women v Belgium Women
Peter Gerhardsson’s Sweden take on Ives Serneels’ Belgium at Leigh Sports Village this Friday night in a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 quarter-final. The betting is wide open in terms of the tournament as a whole and if the bookies are to be believed then six of the eight remaining teams have a decent chance of going all the way. The Swedes have grown into the tournament and could be the team to watch out for in the knockout stage in England. However, can the brave Belgians, priced at around 100/1 to lift the trophy, cause an upset in Leigh?
Sweden kicked off the Euros with a hard-fought draw with Netherlands in Sheffield. They then edged past Switzerland at Bramall Lane before booking their spot in the last eight as Group C winners with a resounding 5-0 win over Portugal in Leigh. Belgium went through as Group D runners-up, beating Italy 1-0 in their final group game. Unfortunately for the Belgians, we can see their tournament coming to an end on Friday. Back Sweden to win -1 at 10/11.
15:00 - Dundee v Forfar Athletic
Dundee and Forfar Athletic meet in Group H of the 2022-23 Scottish League Cup at Dens Park on Saturday afternoon. The Dee are in the Scottish Championship after their relegation from the Scottish Premiership last term, while the Loons ply their trade in Scottish League Two, so the hosts should have more than enough to get the job done here. Dundee, who have won three out of three thus far, are the clear favourites with the bookies and we fancy them to record a routine victory in this one.
The home team have had a fine League Cup campaign up until now. After back-to-back 3-0 wins over Hamilton Academical and Stranraer, the Dee beat Queen’s Park last time out to move on to nine points. Athletic have already been eliminated having taken just two points from their opening three games. Dundee should ease to victory on home turf, and we fancy the hosts to be winning at half time and full time at nice odds of 4/5 which we fancy offer plenty of value.
15:00 - St Johnstone v Ayr United
We have another clash from the Scottish League Cup this Saturday, as Callum Davidson’s St Johnstone and Lee Bullen’s Ayr United go head-to-head at McDiarmid Park. The Saints are still a Scottish Premiership team after winning the Premiership play-off final last term, while Ayr are in the Scottish Championship. Annan Athletic are through as group winners, but who will join them in the next round?
St Johnstone’s first two games went to penalties, but sadly for them they lost out to both Annan and Queen of the South. However, they picked up a win in their last one, seeing off Elgin City with a fine 4-2 victory on the road. Ayr have taken four points and could still finish second in Group F, but St Johnstone will fancy their chances on their own patch. This should be a keenly fought contest given previous results in the group but we like the look of the chunky odds of 15/2 for the home team to pick up a 2-1 win.
20:00 - France Women v Netherlands Women
France and Netherlands meet at the New York Stadium this Saturday in a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 quarter-final. The French are the clear favourites, but the Dutch will be no pushovers in Rotherham and the defending champions will feel they are capable of causing an upset. The winners of this one will go on to face either Germany or Austria in a semi-final in Milton Keynes, with the Germans the big favourites in that other clash.
Both nations picked up seven points from a possible nine in the group stage. The French won Group D with ease, while Holland had to settle for the runners-up spot behind Sweden in Group C. On paper, there is not a lot to split these two European heavyweights, and we could be in for a tight and tense tussle at the New York Stadium. It could go the distance, and we like the look of 13/5 for the draw in the 90. After that, who knows what might happen?!
00:00 - New York City v Inter Miami
New York City and Inter Miami meet in a tasty MLS fixture at Yankee Stadium this weekend. After a little slump in form following Ronny Deila’s departure, City are back on track after three straight wins. The hosts sit fourth in the combined MLS table and second in the Eastern Conference and could be on the verge of something special. Can the Pigeons fly to another three points in this one?
New York have been incredibly tough to beat in recent months, losing just one of their last 15 MLS matches. During that run, City have picked up a very impressive 10 wins. Phil Neville’s Inter Miami have been in patchy form of late, though they did secure a 3-2 home win over Charlotte last time out. New York should prevail in this one, and there is good value in odds of 9/4 for the hosts to win both halves.
01:30 - Sporting Kansas City v Los Angeles FC
High flyers Los Angeles head to Children’s Mercy Park this weekend to play bottom side Sporting Kansas City in what may prove to be a rather one-sided game of football. LAFC are back on top of the MLS table after a hard-fought 2-1 win at Nashville in their last outing. Steve Cherundolo’s troops will be gunning for their 14th MLS victory of the campaign in Kansas this weekend, and the away team are the favourites against an opponent that has really struggled this term.
Kansas City have had a pretty dire 2022 campaign up until now, winning just five times. They are rooted to the foot of the Western table with just 20 points to their name. In contrast, LAFC are 22 points ahead at the summit. Los Angeles will be buoyed after the away win last time out, and they should be too hot to handle here. Back Cherundolo’s boys to win -1 at odds of 11/4 that look far too big to us.
03:00 - Seattle Sounders v Colorado Rapids
In the final game of MLS we are previewing this weekend, Seattle Sounders and Colorado Rapids meet at Lumen Field in Washington. The hosts are in ninth spot in the Western Conference table right now having taken 26 points from 20 games. The Rapids are three places and just two points behind in 12th. This all-Western, midtable affair could go either way in Seattle and on balance we think the stalemate offers the best value in the betting.
The Sounders have struggled in recent weeks, suffering three straight losses since winning 2-0 at Toronto at the start of the month. Colorado won this division last year but have yet to get going in 2022, picking up six wins, drawing six times and suffering eight losses from their opening 20 fixtures. The Rapids picked up a rare victory last time out, beating LA Galaxy 2-0 at home and that will have given them a bit of confidence coming into this one. They have yet to win away from home, though, and we fancy the draw here (12/5).
16:30 - AEK Larnaca v Midtjylland
On Tuesday in UEFA Champions League qualifying, AEK Larnaca and Midtjylland meet at the AEK Arena – Georgios Karapatakis in the second qualifying round. The tie is well and truly in the balance after these evenly matched teams played out a 1-1 draw at the MCH Arena in Herning last week. Who can hold their nerve and book their place in the third qualifying round?
There was nothing to split these two teams when they squared off in Denmark last week. Adam Gyurcso opened the scoring for the Cypriots nine minutes from time. Three minutes later, Midtjylland were level thanks to Erik Sviatchenko’s strike. This second leg could go either way, but home advantage might just give Larnaca the slight edge. Have a punt on the hosts to win at the solid odds of 14/5.
18:00 - Viktoria Plzen v HJK Helsinki
Viktoria Plzen and HJK Helsinki go head-to-head in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie this Tuesday. After a 2-1 win on the road, Plzen are the favourites to complete the job at the Doosan Arena in midweek and secure their passage through to the third qualifying round. Will the Czech champions get the job done on home soil?
Viktoria took an early lead at the Bolt Arena in Helsinki last week, scoring from the penalty spot after just six minutes. The Finns were level shortly after the break, but Jan Kopic hit the winner for the Czechs seven minutes later. This could also be close on the scoreline, and we fancy another Viktoria victory. Check out the decent odds of 8/1 for Plzen to win 2-1 again.
20:00 - England Women v Sweden Women
England and Sweden lock horns in a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 semi-final at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane this Tuesday night. These two nations were among the favourites to lift the trophy before a ball was kicked in this European Championship, and this is likely to be a tight and tense knockout game in Sheffield. Can the hosts book their place in the final in front of a rapturous home crowd?
England eased out of their group with great skill and poise, picking up three wins without conceding a single goal. The Lionesses then came from behind to beat Spain at the Amex Stadium in the quarters and showed a grittiness to their game that will have pleased the fans and pundits alike. The Swedes edged out Netherlands in the race for top spot in Group C before seeing off Belgium in Leigh in their quarter-final. This could go the distance at Bramall Lane, so our money is going on the draw and both teams to score in the 90 minutes at odds of 4/1. What happens after that is certainly open to debate, but could England win on penalties?
20:00 - Shamrock Rovers v Ludogorets Razgrad
Stephen Bradley’s Shamrock Rovers welcome Ante Simundza’s Ludogorets Razgrad to Tallaght Stadium in Dublin this Tuesday night in UEFA Champions League qualifying action. The League of Ireland Premier Division champions have an awful lot of work to do after suffering a damaging 3-0 first-leg defeat. The Bulgarian champions are the overwhelming favourites to get the victory in Ireland in midweek.
Ludogorets were too strong for Shamrock in Razgrad last week. Pieros Sotiriou scored twice in the first period, with Igor Thiago adding a third at the death. Rovers have nothing to lose on home turf, but Razgrad should be too strong once again. Simundza’s side will be looking for a comfortable evening in Dublin, and we like the look of the odds of 11/4 for Shamrock to be winning at half time and full time in this one.
17:00 - Bodo/Glimt v Linfield
David Healy takes his Linfield team to Norway in midweek to face Bodo/Glimt in a crucial UEFA Champions League qualifier. The NIFL Premiership champions stunned the Norwegians in game one, as a late goal gave Linfield a 1-0 victory at Windsor Park. Can they build on their superb success in Belfast and see the job through in Bodo on Wednesday?
The first leg looked to be heading for a goalless draw at Windsor Park, but Kirk Millar had other ideas. The 30 year old forward popped up seven minutes from time to give the Blues a memorable 1-0 win. Bodo/Glimt are the clear favourites in this second leg, but Linfield are capable of nicking a draw at the Aspmyra Stadion. Consider putting some money on the draw and both teams to score at the eye-opening price of 14/1.
18:00 - Fenerbahce v Dynamo Kiev
Jorge Jesus’s Fenerbahce and Mircea Lucescu’s Dynamo Kiev do battle at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium this Wednesday in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie. The tie is delicately poised after the two played out a stalemate in Poland last week. Can the Turkish team make home advantage count and progress?
The pair battled to a draw at Stadion Miejski in Lodz last Wednesday, with the game ending in a goalless draw. When the draw was announced, picking the winner from this one always looked like a tough task, and the first leg just proved how evenly matched these two teams are. This could go to the wire in Istanbul, and we can see the pair playing out another draw in the 90 minutes. The stalemate in normal time is priced at odds of 5/2 and that’s the bet for us.
20:00 - Germany Women v France Women
The second semi-final of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 will see Germany and France lock horns at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes on Wednesday night. The Germans were somewhat overlooked before the tournament kicked off in England, but Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s girls have yet to concede a goal. Will Die Nationalelf see off the French and book their spot in Sunday’s final at Wembley Stadium?
Germany cruised to first place in Group B, sealing comfortable wins over Denmark, Spain and Finland. They then beat Austria 2-0 in their quarter-final at the Brentford Community Stadium. France won Group D, taking seven points from a possible nine. The French then needed extra time to get the better of Netherlands in Rotherham. Our money is going on in-form Germany here, and Tecklenburg’s team are priced at odds of 10/3 to win to nil again which looks like fair value to us.
20:00 - Olympiacos v Maccabi Haifa
Olympiacos and Maccabi Haifa go head-to-head in a UEFA Champions League qualifier at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus on Wednesday night. In front of almost 30,000 fans in Haifa last week, these two teams played out an entertaining 1-1 draw. The tie is in the balance, but who will get the win and reach the third qualifying round?
Former Watford man Philip Zinckernagel gave Olympiacos an early lead at the Sammy Ofer Stadium. The game was heading for a 1-0 away win, but Dolev Haziza had other ideas, levelling the tie in the 92nd minute. Haifa will no doubt give the Greek champions another good game, but we fancy Pedro Martins’ troops to get the job done on home soil. There is good value in the odds of 15/8 for the hosts to win with a -1 goal handicap.
17:45 - Maccabi Netanya v Istanbul Basaksehir
Maccabi Netanya and Istanbul Basaksehir meet in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round tie this Thursday. The second leg is set up perfectly after the pair drew 1-1 at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium last week. Who will get the win at Netanya Stadium and secure their passage through to the next round and edge ever closer to the lucrative group phase?
Maccabi are the underdogs in the tie, but Benyamin Lam’s men took a second-minute lead in Turkey last week and were heading for a surprise win. However, Patryk Szysz had other ideas, scoring nine minutes from time to level the game. We could be in for another tight contest between the pair, and we fancy this to end all square in the 90. You can get 7/2 for the draw and both teams to score as the first leg showed us there really isn’t much between these two.
19:00 - Mura v St Patrick’s Athletic
League of Ireland Premier Division side St Patrick’s Athletic are also back in UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying action in midweek. Tim Clancy takes his Saints to Slovenia to face Mura in the second leg of their second qualifying round tie. Athletic held the Slovenians to a draw in Dublin last week, but Mura are the odds-on favourites in this one and should make their extra class tell on home soil.
Clancy’s side did well to battle back from a goal down to earn a draw at Richmond Park in leg one and keep themselves in the tie. Mura went ahead in the first period, but Christopher Forrester’s goal on the stroke of half time levelled the contest and gave the Irish side at least some hope ahead of the return. Unfortunately for last season’s League of Ireland Premier Division runners-up, Mura should be too strong at the Fazanerija City Stadium this Thursday. Take a punt on the hosts to win -1 at what look like big odds of 12/5.
19:00 - Sligo Rovers v Motherwell
We have an all-British Isles class up next as John Russell’s Sligo Rovers and Graham Alexander’s Motherwell go head-to-head in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round tie. Thursday’s vital knockout fixture will take place at The Showgrounds in Sligo. The home team have a handy lead to protect after winning 1-0 at Fir Park in game one and should have enough to see out the tie.
Before a ball was kicked, Motherwell were the strong favourites to reach the next round. However, the Scottish Premiership side fell to a shock defeat on home soil, with Aidan Keena scoring the only goal of the first leg to give Rovers a 1-0 advantage. Despite being on the road, Well are still the favourites to progress, but we fancy Sligo to cause a minor upset and hold the Scots to a draw at The Showgrounds. The draw and under 2.5 goals is available at the really tempting price of 3/1.
20:00 - Huddersfield Town v Burnley
The 2022-23 EFL Championship season gets underway this Friday night, as Danny Schofield’s Huddersfield Town welcome Vincent Kompany’s Burnley to the John Smith’s Stadium. The Terriers were beaten in the Championship play-off final last term, while the Clarets were relegated from the Premier League after a decent spell in the top flight. Who will come out on top in the season opener which sees two new bosses in charge?
After Carlos Corberan’s somewhat surprise departure earlier in the month, Schofield has been named the new head coach of Huddersfield. Former Manchester City skipper Kompany is the new man at the helm at Turf Moor. After dropping down from the Premier League, Burnley will be looking for an instant return and they are among the favourites for the title. This will not be an easy game at the John Smith’s, but we fancy Kompany’s side to nick a narrow victory. Back the Clarets to win by exactly one goal at nice odds of 3/1.
15:00 - Cardiff City v Norwich City
Steve Morison’s Cardiff City welcome Dean Smith’s Norwich City to the Cardiff City Stadium in EFL Championship action this Saturday. The Bluebirds will be looking for a far better season this time around after finishing down in 18th last term. As for the Canaries, can they bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking yet again?
Cardiff had a pretty miserable campaign last season, losing 23 of their 46 league matches. At one point, they lost eight in a row under Mick McCarthy. Morison has chopped and changed the side over the summer, and the Welsh outfit should improve on the pitch. Before a ball has been kicked, Norwich are the favourites for promotion and they certainly know what it takes to be promoted from the second tier. Smith’s Canaries will be looking for all three points in South Wales, but we fancy Cardiff to hold them to a draw (12/5).
15:00 - Wigan Athletic v Preston North End
Wigan Athletic are back in the EFL Championship after winning the EFL League One title last season. On the opening weekend of the 2022-23 Championship campaign, Leam Richardson’s Latics welcome Ryan Lowe’s Preston North End to the DW Stadium. Can Athletic start life back in the second tier with three points in front of their home supporters on Saturday?
Wigan were outstanding in League One last term, winning the division on 92 points. They won 27, drew 11 and lost just eight of their 46 league games. Preston had a decent season in the Championship, racking up 64 points to finish 13th. Lowe did a fine job after taking over at Deepdale halfway through the campaign. We fancy Wigan to secure a narrow home victory here so back the hosts to win by one at 3/1.
17:00 - Liverpool v Manchester City
We’ve enjoyed the women’s Euros and the MLS has offered some decent betting opportunities too but let’s face it, football is back with a bang here! Arguably the best two sides in the world do battle as Liverpool and Manchester City meet in the FA Community Shield at the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening. The Reds were FA Cup winners last term, while City retained the Premier League trophy after an incredible last day of the season. The pair are the top two clubs in England right now, and this promises to be an entertaining Community Shield matchup but who will get their hands on the trophy in Leicester?
Liverpool and Man City played out three thrillers in the 2021-22 campaign. Both Premier League meetings ended in 2-2 draws, and the Reds beat City 3-2 in the semi-finals of the FA Cup in April. That means we should expect a close contest and plenty of goals here, with a great game for the neutrals likely. There will be bigger trophies up for grabs this year, but both teams will want to kick off the new season with some silverware. It is sure to be close, but we fancy Liverpool to edge it (19/10).
17:30 - Middlesbrough v West Bromwich Albion
Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion meet at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday evening on the opening weekend of the 2022-23 EFL Championship season. Both clubs have Premier League aspirations, and this fixture could go either way. Being at home, Boro are the bookies’ favourites, but the Baggies will also fancy their chances in a game which might give us a big early clue about how the promotion battle could play out.
Middlesbrough narrowly missed out on the play-offs last term, finishing just five points away from sixth in seventh but Chris Wilder did a great job taking over late in the season. West Brom were in the mix for a top-six spot in the first half of the campaign, but the Midlands club fell away in the latter months and finished down in 10th. Saturday’s showdown at the Riverside is a tough one to call, so our money is going on the stalemate. You can get the huge price of 7/2 for the draw and both teams to score.
12:00 - Sunderland v Coventry City
On Sunday, Sunderland and Coventry City meet at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats are back in the EFL Championship after winning the EFL League One play-offs last term. Can Sunderland start life in the second tier with a big three points on their own patch? The bookies are having a tough time splitting the pair.
After years of unsuccessful attempts, Sunderland finally got over the line and secured promotion last term. They had a topsy-turvy season, but Alex Neil guided the Mackems back to the Championship via the League One play-offs. Coventry had a fine campaign, with Mark Robins’ men putting themselves in the promotion picture in the first half of the season. City fell away in the end and finished in 12th in the table. This is tough to call, but we fancy the hosts to nick it. Take a punt on Sunderland to win by one goal at odds of 3/1.
16:30 - Celtic v Aberdeen
The 2022-23 Scottish Premiership season gets underway this weekend, with champions Celtic in action on Sunday afternoon. Ange Postecoglou’s men welcome Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen to Celtic Park on the opening weekend. Before a ball has been kicked, the Hoops are the bookies’ favourites to win the Premiership this season – can they start with three points on Sunday?
Celtic edged out bitter rivals Rangers in the race for the Premiership title last season, finishing four points ahead to take the trophy back to Celtic Park. Along the way, Postecoglou’s side picked up 29 wins from 38 league games. The Bhoys beat the Dons three times last term, though Aberdeen did find the net in all three. With that in mind, put some money on the Celtic win and both teams to score in this one at a price of 15/8.
20:00 - Watford v Sheffield United
The opening round of the 2022-23 EFL Championship season concludes on Monday when Watford and Sheffield United clash at Vicarage Road. Rob Edwards – who won EFL League Two with Forest Green Rovers last term – is the new man in charge of Watford. Edwards will be hoping to guide the Hornets back to the Premier League but this is a notoriously tough division to emerge from so every point will be vital.
Watford found Premier League life difficult last season, collecting just 23 points and finishing in 19th spot in the table. Sheffield United made the play-offs in their first year back in the Championship after their top-flight relegation at the end of the 2020-21 campaign. The Blades will also be gunning for promotion this season. Watford are the favourites on home soil, but we fancy Paul Heckingbottom’s men to return to the Steel City with all three points. The away victory is nicely priced at odds of 9/4.
17:00 - England Women v Germany Women
England and Germany meet in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final at Wembley Stadium this Sunday in what should be a fantastic occasion. These two have been the standout teams in the tournament, and this will be a fascinating and well-supported final in the English capital. Can Sarina Wiegman’s women hold their nerve and get their hands on the trophy, or will Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s efficient Germans get the job done?
The Lionesses made light work of Sweden in the semi-finals, romping to a deserved 4-0 victory at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Germany edged past France at Stadium MK, with the excellent Alexandra Popp bagging a brace in the 2-1 win. Both sides have conceded just one goal in this competition thus far, and this will no doubt be a tight final at Wembley. They are tough to split, so back the draw in the 90 minutes at odds of 9/4, and then perhaps England will get the job done on penalties!