I’m looking at teams across the big leagues this weekend, with some particularly appealing games in the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga.
AS Monaco v Lille – Saturday 18 August – Ligue 1 – BET HERE
Monaco won 15 out of 19 home games in Ligue 1 in 2017/18 and started this season with a 3-1 win at Nantes. Lille have to do better this year after they finished 17th in the league and were nearly relegated. I can only see a Home Win and, considering there have been Over 2.5 Goals in the last six meetings between these team, I’m expecting goals too.
Match Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: AS Monaco 3 v 2 Lille
Chelsea v Arsenal – Saturday 18 August – Premier League – BET HERE
Chelsea only won two of their final five home games last season but Maurizio Sarri oversaw a 3-0 win against Huddersfield on Saturday. Things haven’t gone as well for Arsenal under Unai Emery. They lost to Manchester City in their first league game and I sense that the Spaniard is still searching for his best team. The Gunners have lost seven of their eight away league games in 2018, and have suffered defeat in seven of their past ten visits to Stamford Bridge. I’m backing the Blues.
Match Tip: Chelsea Win
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Chelsea 2 v 0 Arsenal
Lazio v Napoli – Saturday 18 August – Serie A – BET HERE
My prediction for this one might surprise a few. Lazio just missed out on a top four place last season and they’ve since lost Felipe Anderson and Stefan De Vrij. They couldn’t score in their last two friendlies, but it’s a good time to face Napoli. They have a new manager in Carlo Ancelotti and the players have to adapt to a new style. I’m going for a goalless Draw.
Match Tip: Under 2.5 Goals
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Lazio 0 v 0 Napoli
Brighton v Man United – Sunday 19 August – Premier League – BET HERE
These sides have had very different starts to the season and I don’t expect that to change here. Brighton lost to Watford on Saturday and only managed to win one of their five pre-season friendlies, while the Red Devils beat Leicester in their opening game. Even though United lost at Brighton last season, they beat six of the other nine bottom-half sides away. I see an Away Win.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score No
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Brighton 0 v 2 Man United
Valencia v Atletico – Monday 20 August – La Liga – BET HERE
Valencia were strong at Mestalla last season, where they won 13 of their 19 home league games, and come into this match after wins against Everton and Leverkusen. Atletico won the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday and picked up 11 away wins in La Liga last season. Los Rojiblancos have won four and of their past five games against Valencia, but Los Che’s home form will get them a Draw.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Valencia 1 v 1 Atletico