Take a look at my tips for the week. What do you think?
Standard Liege v Ajax – Tuesday 7 August – Champions League Qualifier – BET HERE
Standard Liege finished second in the First Division A last season and won their opening game at home this time around. This is their first appearance in the qualifiers since 2014, and they’ve not reached the group stage since 2009. Ajax have only lost two of their past ten qualifiers and won both legs against Sturm Graz in the last round. I expect an entertaining Draw.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Standard Liege 2 v 2 Ajax
Benfica v Fenerbahce – Tuesday 7 August – Champions League Qualifier– BET HERE
It’s strange to see Benfica in the qualifiers. They didn’t win the Primeira Liga last season for first time since 2013 though, and they didn’t put up a great show in the Champions League last year when they lost all six group games. That said, Fenerbahce have lost four of their past five qualification matches on the road, so I have to go for a Home Win here.
Match Tip: Benfica Win
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Benfica 1 v 0 Fenerbahce
Istanbul Basaksehir v Burnley – Thursday 9 August – Europa League Qualifier– BET HERE
Burnley needed extra time to overcome Aberdeen last week, and I think this will be a tougher test for the Clarets. Basaksheir have players such as Arda Turan, Emmanuel Adebayor and Gael Clichy amongst their ranks. I’m going for a Home Win, but the hosts conceded in five of their six group games last season, so I think Burnley might get a crucial away goal.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Istanbul Basaksehir 2 v 1 Burnley
Marseille v Toulouse – Friday 10 August – Ligue 1 – BET HERE
L’OM missed out on third place by two points last season but Toulouse came close to relegation after they had to beat Ajaccio in the play-off to stay in Ligue 1. Marseille scored and conceded in nine of their final ten league games last season, and I expect the same here. Even though they’ve only won two of their past five opening games, I think the hosts will take the points.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Marseille 2 v 1 Toulouse
Manchester United v Leicester – Friday 10 August – Premier League – BET HERE
The Premier League is back! Manchester United will have to do much better than last season if they are to challenge Manchester City, but it’s hard to ignore the Red Devils’ home form. Jose Mourinho’s side won 15 of their 19 home league games last season and Alexis Sanchez has looked good in pre-season. Leicester have sold Riyad Mahrez and will probably be without Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy for this match. I’m going for a United win to kick off the campaign.
Match Tip: Manchester United Win
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Manchester United 1 v 0 Leicester