Juventus v Lazio – Saturday 25 August – Serie A – BET HERE
This will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s first game at the Allianz Stadium (well, since he scored THAT bicycle kick in the Champions League). The Old Lady won dramatically at Chievo last weekend, but I expect them to be stronger here as they won 16 of their 19 home games last season. Lazio actually beat Juve 2-1 here last October to end their unbeaten run at home, but I don’t see a repeat here.
Match Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Juventus 3 v 1 Lazio
Napoli v AC Milan – Saturday 25 August – Serie A – BET HERE
Carlo Ancelotti led Napoli to victory at Lazio last Saturday and now faces the club that he managed from 2001 to 2009. His current side picked up 14 wins from 19 home games in Serie A last season, while Milan are yet to play and so might be a little rusty. My prediction? A frosty reception for former Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain but, more importantly, a Home Win.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Napoli 2 v 1 AC Milan
Newcastle v Chelsea – Sunday 26 August – Premier League – BET HERE
Newcastle had an excellent record at home to the “Big Six” sides last season, with three wins and only two defeats. They’ve also won four of their past five games against Chelsea at St. James’ Park, so their early results don’t influence me too much. The main thing, however, is that the Blues have won both their league games with three goals scored in each match. I’m going for an Away Win.
Match Tip: Chelsea Win
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Newcastle 1 v 3 Chelsea
Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig – Sunday 26 August – Bundesliga – BET HERE
Dortmund left it late to overcome Greuther Furth in the DFB Pokal on Monday with a 95th minute equaliser and an 120th minute winner. This will be their first league game under Lucien Favre, and expect to see Marco Reus in a new role at centre forward. Leipzig have lost Naby Keita this summer, but they’ve only lost one of their previous four matches against Dortmund. Back a Draw.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Borussia Dortmund 1 v 1 RB Leipzig
Manchester United v Tottenham – Monday 27 August – Premier League – BET HERE
This is a great match-up. Jose Mourinho needs a win to ease the pressure after defeat to Brighton, although we shouldn’t get carried away by one result. United won 15 of their 19 league games at Old Trafford last season, with wins over Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. Tottenham have a 100% record so far but lost three of their five games away to “Big Six” sides last season. Home advantage is a big factor in this fixture (the home team has won in the last seven meetings), but I’ll say a Draw.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Manchester United 1 v 1 Tottenham