Champions League Tips

Birmingham have lost nine times on their travels this season in the league, including six defeats in their last seven Championship trips. Swansea have won four straight home games, and they can see off a Blues outfit who have scored only eight times on the road this season.

Arsenal have won eight of their last ten games and each of their last five away matches, but they have just one clean sheet in their last seven assignments and face a Nottingham Forest side that have scored in four of their last five matches.

Luton are worth backing at home against Lincoln in this League One clash. Luton are unbeaten in seven league games on their own ground and have won four of their last six home fixtures, which underlines how difficult they have become to beat. They are also scoring freely, netting at least twice in five of their last six league matches, while Lincoln’s recent defensive record suggests they may struggle to cope.

Wrexham have been winners in six of their last eight home games in the Championship and they should be backed to get the victory over Norwich on Saturday.

Swindon sit second with 14 wins from 24 League Two games, while Salford are fourth with 13 wins. Swindon have kept four clean sheets in their last five matches, conceded 12 goals in 12 home games, and have won five of their last seven league fixtures, including the last two at home.

Bristol City are more prolific in front of goal than their hosts, and they should be backed to secure a win at Oxford on Saturday. They are tenth in the Championship, 13 places and 17 points above Oxford.

PSV have won 12 straight league games and all nine of their Eredivisie trips this season. Fortuna Sittard have lost all of their clashes with the top three, but they haven’t failed to score in any of their nine home matches, while they netted twice in a defeat to PSV earlier this term.

Villarreal have won five of their last six away games this season and could extend that run against a Real Betis side who have struggled against the top teams this term. The hosts’ inferior defensive record could be the difference between these two.

Both of these sides are in poor form but Sunderland have at least been drawing the majority of their games and the visit of out-of-sorts Crystal Palace looks a good chance to return to winning ways. The Eagles are winless in nine across all competitions and come into the game after a humiliating FA Cup exit at Macclesfield, while the Black Cats are on a nine-game unbeaten streak at home and recent draws against the likes of Arsenal and Man City on Wearside suggest they should be able to see off Palace.

Goals are on the cards when Rio Ave host Benfica at Estadio do Rio Ave. Back over 3.5 goals – Benfica have scored in nine games in a row, including a 5-0 win over Arouca in October, and Rio Ave have played three Primeira Liga games in a row with four or more goals.

Cambridge were far from disgraced when losing 3-2 at home to Birmingham in the FA Cup, but they can respond in a positive manner by defeating Fleetwood at Highbury. Neil Harris’s side are chasing a third straight league win and should get it at the expense of Fleetwood, who are winless in five.

These two teams met just 2 days ago in Philadelphia and the Cavs dominated all 48 minutes. Donovan Mitchell has been particularly hot against this team, averaging over 39 points per game in 3 meetings. I’m doubling down on the Cavs here, back them to go up 3-0 in the regular season series.

These two teams met just 2 days ago in Philadelphia and the Cavs dominated all 48 minutes. Donovan Mitchell has been particularly hot against this team, averaging over 39 points per game in 3 meetings. I’m doubling down on the Cavs here, back them to go up 3-0 in the regular season series.

The Raptors have a hefty injury list, and they meet a Clippers side who have won four on the spin. LA have struggled against teams with winning records, but they have won 11 of their last 13 games, and they should benefit from Toronto potentially missing their entire second unit.

These two teams met just 2 days ago in Philadelphia and the Cavs dominated all 48 minutes. Donovan Mitchell has been particularly hot against this team, averaging over 39 points per game in 3 meetings. I’m doubling down on the Cavs here, back them to go up 3-0 in the regular season series.

The Pelicans won 128-109 when these two sides met in December, and New Orleans is the more motivated side having traded away their pick this summer. The Pels beat another tanking team, the Brooklyn Nets, in their last game. The Pacers returned to losing ways with a 15-point loss at a depleted Raptors team, so the Pelicans look good with the points.

The Raptors have a hefty injury list, and they meet a Clippers side who have won four on the spin. LA have struggled against teams with winning records, but they have won 11 of their last 13 games, and they should benefit from Toronto potentially missing their entire second unit.

The Kings have won each of their last three games, making the most of a prolonged run at home. They’ve won each of those games by a minimum of 11 points, and they meet a Wizards side who got back to losing ways after trading for Trae Young. With the former All Star ruled out through injury, the Wizards have suffered four consecutive blow-outs to boost their hopes of a top pick this summer.

The Jags got a lot of betting support against the Bills last week but ultimately fell to Josh Allen and company, as Buffalo grabbed its first road playoff win since 1992. Allen powered through injuries to post 306 total yards and 3 touchdowns as the Bills’ offense once again carried the load, but a middling defensive showing suggests Buffalo will keep leaning on Allen as they head into a much tougher spot at altitude in Denver. The Broncos bring a top-five defense, a conservative but timely offense, and home-field rest, setting up a likely one-possession game where the intangibles tilt slightly toward Denver, despite Buffalo’s star power.

San Francisco’s win over Philadelphia wasn’t shocking, as Brock Purdy has the 49ers’ offense humming and delivered in key moments despite 2 interceptions, though the Eagles’ stagnant offense also played a role in the result. The Niners’ momentum faces a serious test against a Seahawks team coming off extended rest, fresh from a Week 18 domination of this same 49ers team in which Seattle controlled the trenches, ran for 180 yards, and never let the game get competitive. With San Fran’s star tight end George Kittle lost for the season and the 49ers on a short week after a bruising playoff game, this rematch sets up as a tough spot for the road team and a potential Seattle blowout.

Houston heads northeast again after a dominant 30-6 Wild Card win over Pittsburgh, cashing as favorites and now shifting to a short underdog against AFC East champs New England, which beat the Chargers 16-3. The matchup pits an elite Texans defense (NFL-best 277.2 yards allowed per game) against a Patriots team that’s been reliable at the window, winning 11 straight as a favorite and going 12-5 ATS in the regular season. Houston has thrived in the underdog role, winning and covering 4 straight, including last year’s 41-21 rout of New England. If CJ Stroud cleans up the turnovers, the Texans profile as a live underdog once again.

4 of 6 road teams won on Wild Card weekend, one of which being this Rams team that edged Carolina 34-31 in a matchup that was a heck of a lot closer than many expected. Matthew Stafford delivered a late TD pass tp secure the win in a wild fourth quarter. Chicago delivered the biggest shock, rallying from a 21-3 halftime deficit to beat Green Bay 31-27 behind a huge playoff debut from Caleb Williams, who threw for 361 yards and 2 scores as the Bears won their first postseason game since 2010. With the Rams laying points again and the Bears thriving as underdogs, LA’s strong ATS history as a road favorite makes them the pick to survive the cold at Soldier Field and move on.

The Jags got a lot of betting support against the Bills last week but ultimately fell to Josh Allen and company, as Buffalo grabbed its first road playoff win since 1992. Allen powered through injuries to post 306 total yards and 3 touchdowns as the Bills’ offense once again carried the load, but a middling defensive showing suggests Buffalo will keep leaning on Allen as they head into a much tougher spot at altitude in Denver. The Broncos bring a top-five defense, a conservative but timely offense, and home-field rest, setting up a likely one-possession game where the intangibles tilt slightly toward Denver, despite Buffalo’s star power.

San Francisco’s win over Philadelphia wasn’t shocking, as Brock Purdy has the 49ers’ offense humming and delivered in key moments despite 2 interceptions, though the Eagles’ stagnant offense also played a role in the result. The Niners’ momentum faces a serious test against a Seahawks team coming off extended rest, fresh from a Week 18 domination of this same 49ers team in which Seattle controlled the trenches, ran for 180 yards, and never let the game get competitive. With San Fran’s star tight end George Kittle lost for the season and the 49ers on a short week after a bruising playoff game, this rematch sets up as a tough spot for the road team and a potential Seattle blowout.

Houston heads northeast again after a dominant 30-6 Wild Card win over Pittsburgh, cashing as favorites and now shifting to a short underdog against AFC East champs New England, which beat the Chargers 16-3. The matchup pits an elite Texans defense (NFL-best 277.2 yards allowed per game) against a Patriots team that’s been reliable at the window, winning 11 straight as a favorite and going 12-5 ATS in the regular season. Houston has thrived in the underdog role, winning and covering 4 straight, including last year’s 41-21 rout of New England. If CJ Stroud cleans up the turnovers, the Texans profile as a live underdog once again.

4 of 6 road teams won on Wild Card weekend, one of which being this Rams team that edged Carolina 34-31 in a matchup that was a heck of a lot closer than many expected. Matthew Stafford delivered a late TD pass tp secure the win in a wild fourth quarter. Chicago delivered the biggest shock, rallying from a 21-3 halftime deficit to beat Green Bay 31-27 behind a huge playoff debut from Caleb Williams, who threw for 361 yards and 2 scores as the Bears won their first postseason game since 2010. With the Rams laying points again and the Bears thriving as underdogs, LA’s strong ATS history as a road favorite makes them the pick to survive the cold at Soldier Field and move on.

Houston heads northeast again after a dominant 30-6 Wild Card win over Pittsburgh, cashing as favorites and now shifting to a short underdog against AFC East champs New England, which beat the Chargers 16-3. The matchup pits an elite Texans defense (NFL-best 277.2 yards allowed per game) against a Patriots team that’s been reliable at the window, winning 11 straight as a favorite and going 12-5 ATS in the regular season. Houston has thrived in the underdog role, winning and covering 4 straight, including last year’s 41-21 rout of New England. If CJ Stroud cleans up the turnovers, the Texans profile as a live underdog once again.

FEBRUARY –  The Texans’ suffocating defence has been the key to their eight-game winning run and with the AFC looking the less competitive conference this season after the demise of the Kansas City Chiefs, they have the talent to go a long way. Quarterback CJ Stroud is fully fit again and can look for an elite wide receiver in Nico Collins while former first-round picks Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. are just two of their many defensive stars.

JULY – Elena Rybakina looks a bet in her bid to repeat her 2022 triumph at the All England Club. The Kazakhstani has had a tough couple of years, due in the main to off-court issues, but she finished last year on a high with victory at the WTA Finals. She’s a superb grass-court player who is as good as Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek when she’s on her game.

JULY – Alex Noren enjoyed a resurgence in his career in 2025, winning twice on the DP World Tour, and 2026 could finally be the year he ends his long wait for a maiden Major. The Swede has an affinity for links golf, evidenced by his victory at the 2016 Scottish Open and his two top-10 Open finishes, he could go all the way and land the Claret Jug in 2026.

DECEMBER – Mercedes may have botched the ground-effect era, but the Silver Arrows have a strong record of responding well to rule changes, and the sweeping regulation shift coming in 2026 should bring the title back into play. Their power unit has already come under, and been cleared, of scrutiny, suggesting it is likely to be among the strongest engines on the grid, and they have the driver lineup to win the consistent points necessary to land the constructor crown.

Felix Auger-Aliassime has been placed in a competitive quarter that looks a four-way fight between himself Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedez and Andrey Rublev – and the Canadian looks capable of coming through. Auger-Aliassime beat both Zverev and Rublev on his march through to the last four of the US Open, before beating the former again in the ATP Finals. Auger-Aliassime is the form player of this quartet and he looks capable of making a deep run in Melbourne.

Aryna Sabalanka has reached each of the last six Grand Slam finals played on hardcourts and has won four of those. The Belarusian has won two of the last three editions of the Australian Open and can respond to the disappointment of losing last year’s final by taking the trophy in 2026.

Aryna Sabalanka has reached each of the last six Grand Slam finals played on hardcourts and has won four of those. The Belarusian has won two of the last three editions of the Australian Open and can respond to the disappointment of losing last year’s final by taking the trophy in 2026.

Felix Auger-Aliassime has been placed in a competitive quarter that looks a four-way fight between himself Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedez and Andrey Rublev – and the Canadian looks capable of coming through. Auger-Aliassime beat both Zverev and Rublev on his march through to the last four of the US Open, before beating the former again in the ATP Finals. Auger-Aliassime is the form player of this quartet and he looks capable of making a deep run in Melbourne.

Central Coast Mariners have lost five of their last six games, and the league’s bottom side have been beaten in each of their previous three home games. The visitors have won three of their last four away trips, and they’ve already won to nil at the two other bottom three sides.

Harry Kane has 31 goals for Bayern Munich this season and has scored seven in his last seven appearances. He has netted six times in four Bundesliga meetings with RB Leipzig, including a hat-trick in the reverse fixture in August.

Coventry have the best home record in the Championship with nine wins from 12 attempts. They have won eight of their last nine on home soil and face a Leicester side that have taken one point from their last three league away games.

Cardiff City look the stronger option away at Bradford City in this high-quality League One contest. Cardiff sit top of the table and their away form has been a major weapon, with just one defeat in their last ten league road trips. They are also scoring freely, finding the net in 12 straight League One games. Bradford remain a dangerous opponent, but recent defensive lapses suggest they can be exposed by a ruthless, in-form visiting side.

Wigan Athletic look a solid bet at home against Bolton Wanderers in this League One clash. Wigan have been excellent defensively at the Brick Community Stadium, conceding just eight goals in 11 home league games, which gives them a strong platform. Bolton arrive in poor form, winless in four and without an away victory in three, and their recent performances suggest a side short on confidence and momentum.

Walsall sit third with thirteen wins, four draws and seven defeats, fourteen places and eleven points above seventeenth-placed Tranmere. The hosts have lost their last two home games and four of the last six overall. Walsall have been strong away, conceding ten goals in twelve matches and keeping three clean sheets in their last four trips.

Chesterfield have seen both teams score in 17 of their 25 League Two matches this season, including eight of 12 at home. They drew 2-2 with MK Dons recently and have scored two or more goals in 13 games. Bromley lead the table and have avoided defeat in nine of their last ten matches.

Juventus have won five of their last six Serie A games, and they have the best record in the league across that stretch. The Old Lady have beaten Cremonese 5-0 and Sassuolo 3-0 in their previous two games, while Cagliari have lost all four meetings with the top four this term.

Villarreal are second in La Liga’s form table across the last eight games, winning seven of those. The Yellow Submarine have won each of their last four on the road, while Betis have won once in five La Liga games.

Watford have won four straight Championship games, and they’re unbeaten in the league since December 6th. The Hornets have won three of their last four at Vicarage Road, while Millwall have a mixed return on their travels.

Ligue 1 leaders Lens have won seven straight games, while they’ve won all but one of their eight home matches this season. Auxerre have won once in six, suffering back-to-back defeats, while the visitors have also lost all of their meetings with the top four.

Despite a miserable season, Manchester United have only lost two of their last ten games and two of their ten Premier League home matches this season. Manchester City have only won one of the last five Manchester derbies and have drawn their last three Premier League assignments.

Both teams have scored in eight consecutive Chelsea games across all comps and goals at both ends looks likely when they face local rivals Brentford. The Blues have scored in 13 successive home games, while Brentford have bagged 15 goals across their last six overall and with both attacks firing they should both be able to get on the scoresheet.

Liverpool have rebounded following a miserable autumn and are unbeaten in 11 games. They have conceded nine goals in this period, though, while Burnley have scored in eight of their last nine awya games, losing seven times in this run.

Both of these sides are in poor form but Sunderland have at least been drawing the majority of their games and the visit of out-of-sorts Crystal Palace looks a good chance to return to winning ways. The Eagles are winless in nine across all competitions and come into the game after a humiliating FA Cup exit at Macclesfield, while the Black Cats are on a nine-game unbeaten streak at home and recent draws against the likes of Arsenal and Man City on Wearside suggest they should be able to see off Palace.

Arsenal have won eight of their last ten games and each of their last five away matches, but they have just one clean sheet in their last seven assignments and face a Nottingham Forest side that have scored in four of their last five matches.

Fulham are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Leeds and head to Elland Road unbeaten in their last six games, winning four of them. Leeds have failed to win their last four Premier League games and could drop points again.

Bayern Munich have scored 66 goals in 17 Bundesliga games this season and have notched three or more in eight of their last nine, including each of their last four away games. They face a RB Leipzig side that have lost two of their last three outings by a 3-1 scoreline.

Inter lead Serie A and no side has played more matches with four or more goals. Seven of Inter’s twenty league games have gone over 3.5, while two of the last three meetings at Udinese finished over that line. Udinese have conceded a league-high thirty-two and are without a clean sheet in eight of their previous ten.

Borussia Dortmund have scored at least twice in six of their last seven Bundesliga matches. They are second with ten wins from seventeen, far above seventeenth-placed St Pauli. Dortmund have won four of their last six games, while St Pauli are winless in eight away matches.

It would be a major shock if Ligue 1 leaders Lens slip up against struggling Auxerre and the home side should make no mistake. There could be a few goals on show, too, as Lens have scored seven times in their last three games while the visitors have conceded eight times in their last three outings.

Nine of the last ten Eredivisie meetings between these sides have seen both teams find the net and a hefty away win looks likely for the league leaders PSV. The visitors are looking for their 13th straight win in the league and they are averaging just over three goals per game.

Both of these sides are in poor form but Sunderland have at least been drawing the majority of their games and the visit of out-of-sorts Crystal Palace looks a good chance to return to winning ways. The Eagles are winless in nine across all competitions and come into the game after a humiliating FA Cup exit at Macclesfield, while the Black Cats are on a nine-game unbeaten streak at home and recent draws against the likes of Arsenal and Man City on Wearside suggest they should be able to see off Palace.

Stoke are the bet at home to QPR on Saturday, they are going for a third successive Championship win and the visitors have lost three times in their last four away games in the Championship.

Luton are worth backing at home against Lincoln in this League One clash. Luton are unbeaten in seven league games on their own ground and have won four of their last six home fixtures, which underlines how difficult they have become to beat. They are also scoring freely, netting at least twice in five of their last six league matches, while Lincoln’s recent defensive record suggests they may struggle to cope.

Swindon sit second with 14 wins from 24 League Two games, while Salford are fourth with 13 wins. Swindon have kept four clean sheets in their last five matches, conceded 12 goals in 12 home games, and have won five of their last seven league fixtures, including the last two at home.

Villarreal have won five of their last six away games this season and could extend that run against a Real Betis side who have struggled against the top teams this term. The hosts’ inferior defensive record could be the difference between these two.

Wolfsburg look well placed to claim three points at home against bottom-side Heidenheim in the Bundesliga. The hosts are seven places higher in the table and arrive in strong scoring form, having found the net in ten straight league games and scoring at least twice in four of their last five. Heidenheim, by contrast, have lost seven of their last eight away matches, remain without a clean sheet all season and continue to leak goals at an alarming rate.

Juventus have won five of their last six Serie A games, and they have the best record in the league across that stretch. The Old Lady have beaten Cremonese 5-0 and Sassuolo 3-0 in their previous two games, while Cagliari have lost all four meetings with the top four this term.

Ligue 1 leaders Lens have won seven straight games, while they’ve won all but one of their eight home matches this season. Auxerre have won once in six, suffering back-to-back defeats, while the visitors have also lost all of their meetings with the top four.

Arouca can be backed to defeat an out-of-form AVS at Estadio do CD Aves. The hosts have struggled to find the net recently, failing to score in four of their last six Primeira Liga games.

Ajax’s last two Eredivisie home matches have been 2-0 wins and their unbeaten run now stands at six games with five wins in that sequence. A comfortable home win looks likely as Go Ahead are winless in eight.

Igor Thiago is in red-hot form for Brentford with five goals across his last two games. The Brazilian wasn’t involved in the FA Cup win last time out so he should come into this game fresh and he can continue his scoring streak with an anytime effort at Chelsea.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in a stellar patch of form and heads into this match with eight goals in his last nine appearances. He scored and assisted against Newcastle in his last appearance and has only failed to find the net in two of his last nine outings.

Hugo Ekitike scored and assisted against Barnsley and now has six goals and two assists from his last seven appearances in all competitions, with five of these goal contributions coming at Anfield.

Brian Brobbey has three strikes to his name for Sunderland in the league. The Dutchman should return to the starting side after coming off the bench in the cup against Everton last weekend and he looks a contender for an anytime effort, having scored in the stalemate with Spurs recently.

Harry Kane has 31 goals for Bayern Munich this season and has scored seven in his last seven appearances. He has netted six times in four Bundesliga meetings with RB Leipzig, including a hat-trick in the reverse fixture in August.

Both of these sides are in poor form but Sunderland have at least been drawing the majority of their games and the visit of out-of-sorts Crystal Palace looks a good chance to return to winning ways. The Eagles are winless in nine across all competitions and come into the game after a humiliating FA Cup exit at Macclesfield, while the Black Cats are on a nine-game unbeaten streak at home and recent draws against the likes of Arsenal and Man City on Wearside suggest they should be able to see off Palace.

The home side are in form – Preston have lost just one of their last seven home games in the Championship – and they can make the most of their Deepdale advantage by seeing off Derby.

Peterborough are the standout bet at home in this League One clash with Plymouth. Five wins from their last seven home league games highlights how strong they have been at London Road, and last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Bolton showed they are playing with confidence. Peterborough are also scoring regularly, having found the net in 17 of their last 19 league matches, while Plymouth arrive with defensive issues that are hard to ignore.

Fulham are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Leeds and head to Elland Road unbeaten in their last six games, winning four of them. Leeds have failed to win their last four Premier League games and could drop points again.

Both teams have scored in eight consecutive Chelsea games across all comps and goals at both ends looks likely when they face local rivals Brentford. The Blues have scored in 13 successive home games, while Brentford have bagged 15 goals across their last six overall and with both attacks firing they should both be able to get on the scoresheet.

Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between Tottenham and West Ham, while there have been goals at both ends in Tottenham’s last three fixtures and in three of West Ham’s last four.

Leyton Orient versus Reading has all the hallmarks of a game with goals at both ends in League One. Orient may be out of form, but they remain dangerous going forward and are one of the division’s higher scorers. Defensive issues are the problem, with 42 goals conceded and no clean sheet in six home games. Reading arrive in strong form and have scored in 21 of their last 22 league matches, making BTTS a solid play.

Napoli have scored at least twice in 11 of 20 Serie A games and have 30 goals overall. They have conceded in six of their last eight home matches. Sassuolo have failed to keep a clean sheet in 16 of their last 20 games, and they showed scoring potential in a recent 2-2 draw with Milan.

MK Dons have scored two or more goals in 15 of 25 League Two matches and both teams have scored in 16 of their 25 games this season. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of nine away matches. Accrington have conceded in four of their last six home games.

Liverpool have rebounded following a miserable autumn and are unbeaten in 11 games. They have conceded nine goals in this period, though, while Burnley have scored in eight of their last nine awya games, losing seven times in this run.

Arsenal have won eight of their last ten games and each of their last five away matches, but they have just one clean sheet in their last seven assignments and face a Nottingham Forest side that have scored in four of their last five matches.

Both teams have scored in seven of the last nine Eredivisie meetings between these two and another lively encounter looks likely with AZ taking the points. It was 3-1 to Alkmaar when they met in the Dutch Cup last month and a similar outcome can be expected with PEC winning one of their last five.

PSV have won 12 straight league games and all nine of their Eredivisie trips this season. Fortuna Sittard have lost all of their clashes with the top three, but they haven’t failed to score in any of their nine home matches, while they netted twice in a defeat to PSV earlier this term.

Alex H: Bristol City are pushing to break into the top six of the Championship but things look bleaker for Oxford who are 23rd following one win from their last seven league matches. Despite their struggles, the hosts really suffer big defeats, so back a low-scoring away win. 

Warren: Two of the bottom three meet in League Two, and hosts Shrewsbury are vulnerable after losing their last four league games. Harrogate picked up a good point at Crewe last weekend and then ran Stockport close in the EFL Trophy in midweek, so they can at least avoid defeat here. 

Aaron: Mechelen have scored in nine of their 10 away trips this season, while they’ve netted 14 times on their travels. USG have conceded in six of their last eight league games, while they’ve faced 5.6 xG across their last five home league matches. Five of Mechelen’s six clashes with the top six have finished with both teams scoring, so back more goals.

Aidan: Fulham are unbeaten in six, and they can build on an excellent record against Leeds, having won the last four meetings between the teams.

Alex W: Bayern Munich have scored 66 goals in 17 Bundesliga games this season and have notched three or more in eight of their last nine, including each of their last four away games. They face a RB Leipzig side that have lost two of their last three outings by a 3-1 scoreline.

Gareth: Mansfield have won their last three league games, and they beat Sheffield United in the cup last weekend. Despite that good form, they’re good value to see off rock-bottom port Vale, who are winless in seven trips.

Arsenal have scored three or more goals in four of their last five games and come up against a Nottingham Forest side that they have scored exactly three goals against in two of their last three meetings, although the Tricky Trees have scored in four of their last five assignments and could find the net themselves.

The Blues have been beaten 3-0 in their last two Championship trips, but both teams scored in their four away matches prior to that. The Swans have a mixed defensive record, and they’ve failed to score more than twice at home in the league this term, so back them to claim a 2-1 victory.

Villarreal have won five of their last six away games this season and could extend that run against a Real Betis side who have struggled against the top teams this term. The hosts’ inferior defensive record could be the difference between these two.

Marseille are the best bet to win away at Angers on Saturday. They have only lost one of their last nine Ligue 1 games at Stade Raymond Kopa and have won four of their last six away games in the league.

PSV have won 12 straight league games and all nine of their Eredivisie trips this season. Fortuna Sittard have lost all of their clashes with the top three, but they haven’t failed to score in any of their nine home matches, while they netted twice in a defeat to PSV earlier this term.

Mechelen have scored in nine of their 10 away trips this season, while they’ve netted 14 times on their travels. USG have conceded in six of their last eight league games, while they’ve faced 5.6 xG across their last five home league matches. Five of Mechelen’s six clashes with the top six have finished with both teams scoring, so back more goals. 

Liverpool look like the best value pick, with the Reds putting their struggles behind them with an eight-game unbeaten run. The Reds have the fourth-best Expected Goals record across the first six Champions League gameweeks, while they’ve recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins over Real Madrid and Inter Milan in Europe. Arne Slot’s side have a kind double-header in January, leaving them primed for a top-eight finish. With the Premier League coasting towards a fifth Champions League berth, the Reds should be in a good position to focus on European success in the spring.

Spain have some incredibly talented individuals, Lamine Yamal being the prime example, but are strong in all areas and don’t have any particular weaknesses. They won Euro 2024 with relative ease and they should be too good for their continental rivals at the World Cup. They also look a level above South American heavyweights Argentina and Brazil, suggesting they will be the team to beat at the World Cup this summer.

Newcastle Jets have won four of their last five matches, while they head to a side who have been beaten in four of their last six matches. The visitors have won four straight away games, and they’re backed for another victory.

Central Coast Mariners have lost five of their last six games, and the league’s bottom side have been beaten in each of their previous three home games. The visitors have won three of their last four away trips, and they’ve already won to nil at the two other bottom three sides.

The hosts are outperforming their xG tally for the campaign, while they were beaten 4-0 by bottom club Central Coast Mariners in their last home outing. Melbourne Victory have won four of five clashes with sides below them in the standings, so back them for another win.