Here are my midweek tips. I see some close matches in the Championship, but I’m excited for the return of the Bundesliga on Friday.
Benfica v PAOK – Tuesday 21 August – Champions League Qualifier – BET HERE
Benfica have the benefit of having already played two league games this season, and they’ve won both of them. This is their first time in the qualifying stage since 2011/12 and they only narrowly beat Fenerbahce in the last round. PAOK have knocked out Basel and Spartak Moscow so far, but they’ve only won one of their seven away qualifiers in their history. I see a marginal Home Win.
Match Tip: Benfica Win
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Benfica 1 v 0 PAOK
Swansea v Leeds – Tuesday 21 August – Championship – BET HERE
Both of these teams have started the season strongly, so I think we’ll learn a lot here. Swansea’s 100% record came to an end when they drew at Birmingham on Friday night, while Leeds seem like a runaway train under Marcelo Bielsa. They’ve won all three of their league matches, including a 4-1 victory away to Derby. I see a close game, but I’m backing the visitors.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Swansea 1 v 2 Leeds
Ajax v Dynamo Kiev – Wednesday 22 August – Champions League Qualifier – BET HERE
Ajax haven’t been to the group stage for four years and victory here would be a big step toward what is an overdue return. They’ve only lost one of their last ten qualifiers and have won three out of four this season. However, Dynamo aren’t easy to beat and, since eight of their last ten away matches in the Champions League have had Under 2.5 Goals, I sense a tense game.
Match Tip: Under 2.5 Goals
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Ajax 1 v 0 Dynamo Kiev
Aston Villa v Brentford – Wednesday 22 August – Championship – BET HERE
It’s fifth v fourth in the Championship. Aston Villa have won two and drawn one so far but needed a last minute winner to overcome Wigan in their first home game of the season. Brentford are ahead of the Villains thanks to goal difference. They could only manage a draw at Stoke in their only away game, but they’ve avoided defeat on their last two visits to Villa Park. I’m going with a Draw.
Match Tip: Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Aston Villa 1 v 1 Brentford
Bayern Munich v Hoffenheim – Friday 24 August – Bundesliga – BET HERE
The Bundesliga is back! Champions Bayern kick off against Hoffenheim, who start the season knowing that manager Julian Nagelsmann will be leaving nest May. The visitors won four of their final five matches last season, with Over 2.5 Goals in three of those. However, Bayern won 14 of their 17 home league games last season and beat Frankfurt 5-0 in the Super Cup two weeks ago. I have to go for a Home Win, but I expect plenty of goals too.
Match Tip: Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score
Mr. Predictor’s Verdict: Bayern 3 v 1 Hoffenheim