Champions League Tips

Southampton are a big price to win the game because of some recent road struggles, but they won back-to-back away games in November. They could sneak a win against a Blues side that has failed to win their last two at St Andrew’s. The Blues have scored in 10 of their last 11 games, however, and can at least strike in defeat.

Cheltenham have been much-improved since Steve Cotterill returned as manager with four wins in their last five. The Robins look backable underdogs against a Swindon outfit who have three losses in their last seven away from home in League 2.

Wigan won 1-0 when these sides clashed in a reverse fixture recently but this meeting should be more entertaining. Burton have scored seven goals across their last two games but conceded in both of those fixtures, while there have been goals at both ends in the Latics’ last 10 consecutive away games.

Both teams have scored in Barrow’s last three games and they can strike in defeat at Prenton Park. Tranmere won 3-0 at Barrow earlier this month and should be able to complete a league double with home advantage, but they have struggled for clean sheets at home with just one in their last nine games so goals at both ends looks likely.

Over 2.5 goals looks the strongest bet when Leicester host Derby at the King Power Stadium. Derby have scored in 13 consecutive games and seven of their 11 away matches this season have produced at least three goals. Leicester have also failed to keep a clean sheet in 17 straight Championship games, making an open contest likely.

Sheffield United look a value play to beat Stoke away despite sitting lower in the table. Stoke’s recent form has dipped badly and goals have dried up, with the hosts failing to score in four of their last five Championship games. United have defended well in recent meetings and can exploit Stoke’s lack of cutting edge.

Salford were arguably unlucky to only take a point in a 1-1 draw at Fleetwood earlier this month but they’ve won all three games since and can make home advantage count on Monday. The Cod Army have scored in six of their last seven trips and should be able to at least strike in defeat.

The first meeting saw 247 points, although the Kings are struggling with injuries right now, I still expect them to push the tempo here as that’s the only way they know how to play. Back the points.

Caleb Williams carried the Bears to another comeback win in Week 16, as Chicago outlasted Green Bay in overtime behind 400 total yards of offense, timely defensive stops and clutch mistakes by the Packers. That victory clinched a playoff berth for Chicago and gave them a two-game lead in the NFC North. San Francisco stayed hot with its fifth straight win against the Colts, rolling up 440 yards, but questions remain about a defense that has feasted on soft competition and still ranks in the bottom third by EPA. San Fran might still pick up the win, but the Bears have proven to be good enough to at least stay within a field goal.

The Cardinals head to Cincinnati in a Week 17 matchup that’s simply about draft position, but Arizona could be live to hang around despite riding a seven-game losing streak. The Cards have been competitive against sub-.500 teams and now face a Bengals defense near the bottom of the league against both the pass and the run, while Cincinnati has struggled to build momentum. With Joe Burrow historically underperforming as a big favorite and trends working against blowout wins, the value lies with Arizona to stay within a touchdown.

Caleb Williams carried the Bears to another comeback win in Week 16, as Chicago outlasted Green Bay in overtime behind 400 total yards of offense, timely defensive stops and clutch mistakes by the Packers. That victory clinched a playoff berth for Chicago and gave them a two-game lead in the NFC North. San Francisco stayed hot with its fifth straight win against the Colts, rolling up 440 yards, but questions remain about a defense that has feasted on soft competition and still ranks in the bottom third by EPA. San Fran might still pick up the win, but the Bears have proven to be good enough to at least stay within a field goal.

Angola have taken just one point from their first two AFCON 2025 matches, but a draw may be enough to see them through to the knockouts. Egypt do not need to win after beating both Zimbabwe and South Africa, so a dull draw may suit all parties. Their last meeting ended all square in World Cup qualifying.

Angola have taken just one point from their first two AFCON 2025 matches, but a draw may be enough to see them through to the knockouts. Egypt do not need to win after beating both Zimbabwe and South Africa and even a defeat would see them take top spot in the group. Egypt could rotate heavily so Angola can at least avoid a defeat.

Zimbabwe have to win to overtake South Africa, who know a point would be good enough for second spot. That could lead to a cagey game but an early goal would open things up and Zimbabwe are likely to go for it. South Africa are yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament and both teams have scored in both Zimbabwe’s games so goals at both ends is fancied.

A win would see Mali qualify and it could see them top the group. They should be too strong for Comoros and they can win without conceding against a side who are yet to score in the tournament and have managed just three shots on target across two games.

Host nation Morocco had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Mali last time out despite limiting their opponents to just one shot on target. Zambia failed to test the keeper at all against Comoros last time out and the Atlas Lions are clearly a few levels above Les Coelacantes. Morocco should win without conceding here.

Coventry have won their last eight home matches while Ipswich have lost two and drawn two of their last four away games, indicating a clear difference in efficiency for the clubs.

Southampton are a big price to win the game because of some recent road struggles, but they won back-to-back away games in November. They could sneak a win against a Blues side that has failed to win their last two at St Andrew’s.

Coventry have won their last eight home matches while Ipswich have lost two and drawn two of their last four away games, indicating a clear difference in efficiency for the clubs.

Ephron Mason-Clark has score din three consecutive matches for the Sky Blues and looks a threat whenever he gets the ball in an attacking area.

Adam Armstrong has scored seven goals in his last nine Championship appearances and 11 in 11 against Birmingham, including a brace in a 3-1 win at St Mary’s earlier this month.

Amario Cozier-Duberry assisted Bolton’s winner against Rotherham last time out and can get on the scoresheet himself against Mansfield. The on-loan forward had five shots against the Millers and has a solid six goals in 21 league games this season, he can strike against a Stags side who have shipped 16 goals in 11 trips.

Coventry have won their last eight home matches while Ipswich have lost two and drawn two of their last four away games, indicating a clear difference in efficiency for the clubs.

A win would see Mali qualify and it could see them top the group. They should be too strong for Comoros and they can win without conceding against a side who are yet to score in the tournament and have managed just three shots on target across two games.

Roma have won four of their last five home games and should have far too much for Genoa, who are 16 points worse off. Only one of the hosts’ 22 games under Gian Piero Gasperini have gone over 3.5 goals, though, so it is likely to be a low-scoring win for Roma. The visitors are showing some attacking intent under Daniele De Rossi but they have been blanked twice by Atalanta in the past few weeks and no side has conceded fewer Serie A goals than Roma’s ten.

Blackburn look the best bet to win away at Sheffield Wednesday. The hosts are bottom of the table and confidence is rock bottom after another poor run of results. Wednesday have failed to keep a clean sheet all season and remain one of the weakest attacking sides in the division. Blackburn should have enough quality to take advantage.

Both teams to score is the standout bet when Wrexham host Preston at the Racecourse Ground. Wrexham’s last three league games have seen goals at both ends, while ten of Preston’s last 12 Championship matches have followed the same pattern. Neither defence is convincing, which points strongly towards BTTS landing again.

Roma have scored exactly two goals in three of their last five home games and should match that tally against Genoa. The visitors are showing some attacking intent under Daniele De Rossi but they have been blanked twice by Atalanta in the past few weeks and no side has conceded fewer Serie A goals than Roma’s ten, so we fancy a 2-0 win for the home side.

Southampton are a big price to win the game because of some recent road struggles, but they won back-to-back away games in November. They could sneak a win against a Blues side that has failed to win their last two at St Andrew’s. Saints have scored multiple goals in three of their last five away league games and can bag a brace in Birmingham. Back a 2-1 away win because the Blues have not scored more than once in either of their last two home games.

Both teams to score is the standout bet when Wrexham host Preston at the Racecourse Ground. Wrexham’s last three league games have seen goals at both ends, while ten of Preston’s last 12 Championship matches have followed the same pattern. Neither defence is convincing, which points strongly towards BTTS landing again.

Both teams to score is the standout bet when Middlesbrough host Hull at the Riverside. Hull have seen goals at both ends in ten of their last 12 Championship away games, while Middlesbrough average two goals per match against top-six opposition. Neither defence has been convincing recently, so chances at both ends look likely.

Wigan won 1-0 when these sides clashed in a reverse fixture recently but this meeting should be more entertaining. Burton have scored seven goals across their last two games but conceded in both of those fixtures, while there have been goals at both ends in the Latics’ last 10 consecutive away games.

Both teams have scored in Barrow’s last three games and they have gone nine without a clean sheet across all comps. Tranmere won 3-0 at Barrow earlier this month and should be able to complete a league double with home advantage, but they have struggled for clean sheets at home with just one in their last nine games so goals at both ends looks likely.

Over 2.5 goals looks the strongest bet when Leicester host Derby at the King Power Stadium. Derby have scored in 13 consecutive games and seven of their 11 away matches this season have produced at least three goals. Leicester have also failed to keep a clean sheet in 17 straight Championship games, making an open contest likely.

Under 2.5 goals looks the strongest play when Millwall host Bristol City. Five of the last six Championship meetings between these sides have produced fewer than three goals, while five of Bristol City’s last seven league games have also gone under. With Millwall short on confidence and Bristol City rarely involved in shootouts, chances should be limited.

Over 2.5 goals looks the best bet when Norwich host Watford. Norwich have scored in ten straight Championship games but have one of the weakest defences in the division. Watford have conceded in every away match this season and have seen over 2.5 goals land regularly. With both sides attacking well and defending poorly, goals should follow.

Under 2.5 goals looks the best bet when Oxford host Swansea. Both sides are stuck near the bottom of the table and have struggled for consistency and attacking output all season. Swansea’s away form is especially poor, while Oxford rarely dominate games. With little between the teams and neither offering much creativity, this has all the hallmarks of a tight, low-scoring contest.

Under 2.5 goals looks the best bet when Portsmouth face Charlton. Neither side has shown much attacking quality this season and recent form points firmly towards a tight contest. Portsmouth’s last five league games have mostly been low scoring, while Charlton’s matches regularly fail to open up. With both sides struggling for goals, chances should be limited.

Porto are in ruthless form and goals look inevitable when they host AVS Futebol SAD. Porto have won 14 of 15 league games this season and have scored three or more goals in six of them. AVS are bottom, winless, and defensively fragile, conceding at least twice in every away game and losing their last four road matches without scoring. With Porto dominant at home and AVS offering little resistance, over 3.5 goals looks the standout angle.

West Brom look a solid bet to beat QPR at home. The Baggies have been strong defensively at The Hawthorns, conceding just 10 goals in 11 Championship games, while QPR are struggling badly on the road. The visitors have lost five of their last six away matches and continue to leak goals, which should give West Brom a clear edge.

Back Walsall to beat Oldham Athletic at the Bescot Stadium. Walsall are top of League Two and have won seven of their 11 home games this season. Oldham have managed just three away wins and are short of confidence on the road, making the hosts a strong bet.

Blackpool have clicked into gear in recent weeks and they have four wins and no defeats in their last five games across all competitions. The Seasiders should be able to see off a Rotherham outfit who are on a four-game losing run.

Harrogate have just three points to show from their last 12 League Two games and they look set to leave Accrington empty handed. Stanley overcame Barrow 2-1 last time out and can make home advantage count on Monday.

Southampton are a big price to win the game because of some recent road struggles, but they won back-to-back away games in November. They could sneak a win against a Blues side that has failed to win their last two at St Andrew’s.

Cheltenham have been much-improved since Steve Cotterill returned as manager with four wins in their last five. The Robins look backable underdogs against a Swindon outfit who have three losses in their last seven away from home in League 2.

Both teams have scored in Barrow’s last three games and they can strike in defeat at Prenton Park. Tranmere won 3-0 at Barrow earlier this month and should be able to complete a league double with home advantage, but they have struggled for clean sheets at home with just one in their last nine games so goals at both ends looks likely.

Chesterfield are on a three-game winning run and with home advantage they can end Cambridge’s unbeaten run. The visitors have gone 12 games without defeat but have also only won three of their last 10. United have scored in six consecutive league games so they can at least deny the Spireites a shut-out.