Champions League Tips

Paris are the best bet to win away at Le Havre on Sunday. The hosts have been poor at home, with just two wins in seven games, and Paris should be able to take advantage.

Crystal Palace continue to impress, sitting fifth in the standings and fourth in the xG table. Fulham suffered their seventh defeat of the campaign on Tuesday, losing all four clashes with the top four. The Eagles have won four and drawn two of their last six visits to this ground, including a 2-0 win in February and a 3-0 victory in March.

Lazio have lost to nil in five of their six meetings with top-half sides in Serie A, while they meet a Bologna side who have won eight of their last 12, and three of their previous four league trips.

Arouca have shipped 15 goals across a four-game losing streak, including a 4-3 loss at Estoril in their last away day. The hosts have kept one clean sheet at home this season, while BTTS has landed in three of their last four.

Real Madrid return home after a month, aiming to pick up where they left off. The hosts posted impressive underlying numbers in wins over Valencia, Barca, Juve, and Villarreal. They have won by two or more goals in six of 11 league wins this term.

Espanyol are the best bet to win at home to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. This is a tough place to visit. They are sixth in the league table, three places and seven points above Rayo Vallecano. The hosts have won seven of their 14 games this season, while Rayo have just four wins.

The AFC South has tightened up fast, with the Colts, Jaguars and Texans all within a game of each other after Jacksonville and Houston’s recent surge and Indy’s back-to-back close losses. However, the Colts should be able to turn things around here. The Jags hold plenty of momentum but have looked unconvincing at times this season, and could find things tough with the pressure on.

These AFC North rivals enter Sunday at 6-6, but Baltimore has surged with a 5-1 run while Pittsburgh has dropped 4 of 6 and continues to bleed yards on defense. Both teams stumbled last week, with the Ravens getting blown out by the Bengals and the Steelers collapsing in the 2nd half at Buffalo despite QB Aaron Rodgers’ return. Baltimore swept Pittsburgh last season, but with the Ravens just 3-6 ATS as a favorite with Lamar Jackson this season, the hosts could be pushed all the way.

Miami has surged back into playoff contention with 4 wins in its last 5 games, and the Dolphins should improve that record further when they take on the struggling Jets. New York’s 3 victories have come in shaky fashion against weak or injury-depleted opponents, and MetLife Stadium hasn’t provided any real home-field edge. With Miami’s offense rolling behind Tua Tagovailoa, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins should have a clear advantage on Sunday.

The Vikings are reeling after a 26-0 shutout loss in Seattle with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer throwing 4 interceptions, though JJ McCarthy is expected back under center despite struggling all year himself. Washington hasn’t been great but has at least been competitive, dropping its last 2 games in overtime, while Minnesota has been outscored 49-6 in its past couple of matchups. With the Vikings 0-4 ATS in their last 4 and unreliable at home, the Commanders look like a live dog.

The 9-3 Bears visit Lambeau to face the 8-3-1 Packers, with Chicago looking to keep hold of 1st place in the NFC North. The Bears have surged under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, winning 9 of their last 10, while these longtime rivals prepare for 2 meetings in 3 weeks with these games likely to determine who wins the division. Green Bay’s offense has rediscovered its rhythm behind Jordan Love, and with momentum following a huge win in Detroit over the Lions, the Packers should deliver a statement victory at home here.

After starting the season 0-3, Houston has surged to a 7-5 record behind a dominant defense that has powered a 4-game winning streak and kept them firmly in the hunt for the AFC South title with the Colts beginning to fade. The offense has been steady enough with Davis Mills, a returning C.J. Stroud, and emerging rookie RB Woody Marks providing just enough support for that elite unit. As for Kansas City, they look far less polished than past editions, with Mahomes under constant pressure and a slipping defense, making this December matchup far less one-sided than Andy Reid’s usual late-season dominance suggests.

The 9-3 Bears visit Lambeau to face the 8-3-1 Packers, with Chicago looking to keep hold of 1st place in the NFC North. The Bears have surged under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, winning 9 of their last 10, while these longtime rivals prepare for 2 meetings in 3 weeks with these games likely to determine who wins the division. Green Bay’s offense has rediscovered its rhythm behind Jordan Love, and with momentum following a huge win in Detroit over the Lions, the Packers should deliver a statement victory at home here.

After starting the season 0-3, Houston has surged to a 7-5 record behind a dominant defense that has powered a 4-game winning streak and kept them firmly in the hunt for the AFC South title with the Colts beginning to fade. The offense has been steady enough with Davis Mills, a returning C.J. Stroud, and emerging rookie RB Woody Marks providing just enough support for that elite unit. As for Kansas City, they look far less polished than past editions, with Mahomes under constant pressure and a slipping defense, making this December matchup far less one-sided than Andy Reid’s usual late-season dominance suggests.

The AFC South has tightened up fast, with the Colts, Jaguars and Texans all within a game of each other after Jacksonville and Houston’s recent surge and Indy’s back-to-back close losses. However, the Colts should be able to turn things around here. The Jags hold plenty of momentum but have looked unconvincing at times this season, and could find things tough with the pressure on.

These AFC North rivals enter Sunday at 6-6, but Baltimore has surged with a 5-1 run while Pittsburgh has dropped 4 of 6 and continues to bleed yards on defense. Both teams stumbled last week, with the Ravens getting blown out by the Bengals and the Steelers collapsing in the 2nd half at Buffalo despite QB Aaron Rodgers’ return. Baltimore swept Pittsburgh last season, but with the Ravens just 3-6 ATS as a favorite with Lamar Jackson this season, the hosts could be pushed all the way.

Miami has surged back into playoff contention with 4 wins in its last 5 games, and the Dolphins should improve that record further when they take on the struggling Jets. New York’s 3 victories have come in shaky fashion against weak or injury-depleted opponents, and MetLife Stadium hasn’t provided any real home-field edge. With Miami’s offense rolling behind Tua Tagovailoa, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins should have a clear advantage on Sunday.

The Vikings are reeling after a 26-0 shutout loss in Seattle with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer throwing 4 interceptions, though JJ McCarthy is expected back under center despite struggling all year himself. Washington hasn’t been great but has at least been competitive, dropping its last 2 games in overtime, while Minnesota has been outscored 49-6 in its past couple of matchups. With the Vikings 0-4 ATS in their last 4 and unreliable at home, the Commanders look like a live dog.

The 9-3 Bears visit Lambeau to face the 8-3-1 Packers, with Chicago looking to keep hold of 1st place in the NFC North. The Bears have surged under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, winning 9 of their last 10, while these longtime rivals prepare for 2 meetings in 3 weeks with these games likely to determine who wins the division. Green Bay’s offense has rediscovered its rhythm behind Jordan Love, and with momentum following a huge win in Detroit over the Lions, the Packers should deliver a statement victory at home here.

A double disqualification in Las Vegas and a strategy horror show in Qatar has left Lando Norris just 12 points ahead of Max Verstappen heading into the final race, and the reigning world champion should thrive under the pressure of the title fight on Sunday.

The Dutchman has won five of the last eight Grands Prix and has secured victory in four of the last five Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, including his maiden World Drivers’ Championship in 2021.

He produced a flawless drive under pressure last weekend, and he may be able to take advantage of a potentially cautious Lando Norris to take the victory.

Championship leader Norris is the only driver with his fate in his own hands, and he may be unwilling to take many risks when he knows a podium finish will be enough to win the title.

A fifth successive title for Verstappen may be out of his control, but he looks good value to finish strong and secure an eighth Grand Prix win of the season.

Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar both suffered retirements in last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, but they should end the season with a points-scoring finish in Abu Dhabi.

Bearman, who retired following a botched pit stop from Haas, had scored points in five successive races prior to Qatar, and Hadjar will be buoyed by news of his promotion to Red Bull this week.

He exited the Qatar Grand Prix through no fault of his own, suffering a puncture from a top-six position in the latter stages of the race. He had finished in the top ten in five of his previous eight Grands Prix before that unfortunate incident, and he will be hoping to help his team fend off Aston Martin in the World Constructors’ Championship.

Williams have all but guaranteed a fifth-place finish in the standings, but Carlos Sainz will want to continue his strong finish to the season after a difficult start to life at the team.

The Spaniard put in another stunning drive to take his second podium in seven races in Qatar, and he has added points to his team’s tally in four of these seven outings.

There have been 26 goals scored in Go Ahead Eagles’ seven away league matches this season while only PSV Eindhoven and NEC have scored more home goals than AZ this season. Everything points to entertainment in this one.

Charleroi have lost five of six away trips to teams outside the bottom three. Mechelen can prey on that poor record, with the fifth-placed side aiming to add to the visitors’ four game losing streak on the road.

Roma are good favourites to win away at Cagliari on Sunday. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have won the last six Serie A away games in which they were odds-on and they should get another victory.

Boreham Wood have won seven of their last eight games, while Newport County have lost five of their last eight games.

There have been 26 goals scored in Go Ahead Eagles’ seven away league matches this season while only PSV Eindhoven and NEC have scored more home goals than AZ this season. Everything points to entertainment in this one.

At least three goals have been scored in five of Brighton’s last eight games and also in four of West Ham’s last six matches. Back both teams to score in this clash too after goals at both ends in six of Brighton’s seven home league games this season. BTTS has landed in four of West Ham’s last five away games too.

Over 2.5 goals has landed in 86% of Austria Vienna’s matches on the road this term, while five of the hosts’ last seven have featured at least three goals.

Lausanne have seen over 2.5 goals in all of their eight home matches this season, while Lugano’s visits to sides below them have featured 13 goals across three games.

Tomas Soucek has scored in two of his last five Premier League appearances, despite playing only around 180 minutes in those games. He is great in the air and could get opportunities to score from set-pieces with Brighton conceding from one and another cross against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Mateta scored against Manchester United last weekend, but he has one goal despite accumulating 2.0 xG across his last four games. The forward had two efforts on target in midweek, so back him to punish a Fulham side who conceded too many chances in midweek.

Aaron: Real Madrid return home after a month, aiming to pick up where they left off. The hosts posted impressive underlying numbers in wins over Valencia, Barca, Juve, and Villarreal. They have won by two or more goals in six of 11 league wins this term.

Alex: The hosts have failed to win each of their last nine league matches and have taken only one point from the last 12 available on home soil. Metz have won three of their previous five, and they’re backed to take something from this game. 

Tom: Carlisle are well-placed to take another League One scalp, with Blackpool winless in five, including four defeats.

Tom Hill: Palace can make it four wins in five away games this weekend, after impressing on the road this term. Fulham have struggled against the top four, and a high-flying Palace should prove too strong.

Aaron Ashley: Lorient have lost only one of their seven league matches at home this season, but the hosts have had some defensive issues. Both teams have scored in six of their seven home outings. Lyon beat Nantes 3-0 last weekend and won 6-0 in Europe this week, so back goals. 

Gareth: Depor have won four of their first seven home games and the league leaders can continue a seven-game winning streak against a side who are poor on the road.

Arouca have shipped 15 goals across a four-game losing streak, including a 4-3 loss at Estoril in their last away day. The hosts have kept one clean sheet at home this season, while BTTS has landed in three of their last four.

At least three goals have been scored in five of Brighton’s last eight games and also in four of West Ham’s last six matches. Back both teams to score in this clash too after goals at both ends in six of Brighton’s seven home league games this season. BTTS has landed in four of West Ham’s last five away games too.

Young Boys drew 4-4 at Servette in their last game, and BTTS has landed in all but one of their trips this term. Sion’s last five have each seen both teams score, so back goals in this Swiss top-flight clash.

Antwerp’s struggles saw them lose 2-1 at home to bottom side Dender in their last home game. The hosts have seen BTTS land in seven of their eight home games, while BTTS has landed in 81% of the visitors’ games.

At least three goals have been scored in five of Brighton’s last eight games and also in four of West Ham’s last six matches. Back both teams to score in this clash too after goals at both ends in six of Brighton’s seven home league games this season. BTTS has landed in four of West Ham’s last five away games too.

Crystal Palace continue to impress, sitting fifth in the standings and fourth in the xG table. Fulham suffered their seventh defeat of the campaign on Tuesday, losing all four clashes with the top four. The Eagles have won four and drawn two of their last six visits to this ground, including a 2-0 win in February and a 3-0 victory in March.

Lorient have gone five games unbeaten at home, while they meet a Lyon side who have failed to win five of their first seven trips. The hosts have already beaten two top seven sides at home, so look to them to spring a surprise. Both teams have scored in Lorient’s last six home games, while Lyon have scored in all four of their Ligue 1 defeats this season.

Real Madrid return home after a month, aiming to pick up where they left off. The hosts posted impressive underlying numbers in wins over Valencia, Barca, Juve, and Villarreal. They have won by two or more goals in six of 11 league wins this term.

Lorient have gone five games unbeaten at home, while they meet a Lyon side who have failed to win five of their first seven trips. The hosts have already beaten two top seven sides at home, so look to them to spring a surprise.

Porto can win without conceding when they visit Tondela on Sunday. The hosts have gone three home games without scoring in the Primeira Liga, and Porto have won four of their last six away games to nil.

Juventus are unbeaten in seven games across all competitions, while they’ve won three games on the spin. Napoli have injury issues, so a solid Juve defence can play a key part in a narrow victory for the visitors.

Real Madrid return home after a month, aiming to pick up where they left off. The hosts posted impressive underlying numbers in wins over Valencia, Barca, Juve, and Villarreal. They have won by two or more goals in six of 11 league wins this term.

Celta Vigo shipped four goals in a loss to Barcelona earlier this month, while Real have struck 14 times across six home games. The hosts have also won to nil in three of their four home league clashes with sides outside the top four.

A 2-0 away win for Porto looks a decent correct-score option. Six of Porto’s last eight Primeira Liga games have ended with at least one of the sides failing to score, and a 2-0 result would not be a surprise.

Tottenham visit St James’ Park off the back of a three-game losing streak, and the in-form Harvey Barnes could send Thomas Frank’s side to another disappointing result on Tuesday.The 27-year-old Newcastle attacker has scored seven times for the Magpies this season, including four goals in his last four, and he has more non-penalty expected goals than any other Newcastle player this season.

Athletic Bilbao have put together a good run of form at the San Mames this season, but Real Madrid are their toughest La Liga challenge yet and Kylian Mbappe is backed to put the Basque defence to the sword.Only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have scored as many league goals as the France captain in Europe’s top five leagues this season, and his strike at Girona on Sunday followed a four-goal haul against Olympiacos last week.

Bryan Mbeumo has failed to score in his last two outings for Manchester United, but he can return to the scoresheet against a West Ham side with the joint-second-worst defensive record in the Premier League.The Cameroon international scored in Brentford’s home meeting with the Hammers last season to make it four goals in seven meetings with them, and he has seven goals for club and country this term.

A brace in a man-of-the-match performance against Osasuna on Saturday saw Vedat Muriqi surpass last season’s La Liga goals tally after just 13 appearances, and he can build on this performance at rock-bottom Real Oviedo on Friday.Four of Muriqi’s eight goals this season have come away from home, and the veteran centre forward can add to Oviedo’s woes.

Despite sitting a respectable tenth in the table, only three teams have conceded more Eredivisie goals than Heerenveen this season and their back line is set to come under siege from the best attack in the division.Table-toppers PSV have scored a league-high 44 goals in 14 games, and Guus Til has recorded almost a quarter of these strikes. His goal against Volendam at the weekend was his sixth in four games, and the 27-year-old has scored four goals in his last four meetings with Heerenveen.

Paris FC are putting in a good stint in their first season in Ligue 1 in almost half a century, and attacker Ilan Kebbal could help them to another positive result at Le Havre on Sunday.Following his sixth goal of the season against Auxerre last time out, only three players have scored more Ligue 1 goals than Kebbal this season, and he can continue his good form against a home side that have shipped four goals in their last two games.