Champions League Tips

Both teams are expected to score and this has the potential to be a high-scoring game. City have won their last two games 5-4 and 3-2, and they have now conceded at least twice in four successive games. have scored in games against Arsenal (2-2), Liverpool (1-1), Aston Villa (1-1) and Chelsea (won 2-1) this season so both of these teams look capable of contributing and combining for at least four goals.

Bournemouth are in the midst of a rough patch with four defeats and no wins in their last five games. Chelsea lost at Leeds in midweek but have an excellent chance to respond with a victory against an out-of-form side who have struggled against the Premier League’s top six this season, back the Blues to leave with maximum points. When Chelsea win they have a habit of keeping clean sheets as each of their last four wins have been top nil, while Bournemouth struggled to break down Everton in midweek and are facing a far tougher defence this weekend. 

Coventry look irresistible on the road and arrive in far better shape than Ipswich. Lampard’s side have won five of their last six away games and are on an 11-wins-from-12 tear overall, scoring freely and controlling matches. Ipswich are competitive but inconsistent, and Coventry’s momentum makes them the smarter bet.

Bristol City look the right side here. They’ve taken three wins from their last four at Ashton Gate and face a Millwall team wobbling on the road, with no wins in three away and back-to-back defeats. Millwall’s defence is creaking too, conceding in five of their last six and shipping 13 goals on their travels. City’s punchier home attack should tell.

Wrexham look a live underdog here. They’ve lost just one of their last ten league games and are travelling well, with only seven goals conceded in eight away outings. Preston’s home form is wobbling — five of their last seven at Deepdale have seen them concede — and they’re increasingly vulnerable. With momentum firmly behind Wrexham, this is a spot where they can absolutely nick it. Goals at both ends has been common in Preston games.

Both Inter Milan and Como are within four points of the Serie A summit and each have had a five-goal haul in their last two games. The pair are in scintillating form and an exciting encounter is expected.

Frankfurt are challenging at the right end of the table but they still find themselves five points behind second-placed Leipzig, who can show their superiority on Saturday. RB have won ten of their last 13 games and can take all three points.

Atletico Madrid may have been beaten 3-1 on Tuesday but that came in an away game against the champions and current La Liga leaders, Barcelona. They enjoyed a seven-match winning streak prior to that defeat and should find things easier against Athletic Bilbao, who were woeful when being hammered 3-0 at home by Real Madrid on Wednesday. While an Atletico Madrid win looks likely, Diego Simeone’s side have uncharacteristically kept only five clean sheets in their last 17 games. 

Leeds’ morale received a huge boost in midweek with a fantastic win over Chelsea, and they have only lost two of their seven home games this season. They could pile the pressure on Liverpool, who have lost six of their last nine Premier League games. Leeds look good value for the points on Saturday, but they have conceded in 13 of their 15 matches this season and are unlikely to produce a shutout. 

Borussia Monchengladbach have kept three clean sheets in their last five games and won their last two away contests. They could shut out a struggling Mainz side that have failed to score in three of their last four games, losing all three. Die Nullfunfer have failed to score in three of their six home Bundesliga games this season.

Benfica remain unbeaten in the Portuguese Primeira Liga this season, but they have struggled when coming up against top opposition and they could be vulnerable against Sporting, who have kept four clean sheets in their last six games.

Marseille have won nine of their 14 league games and are fancied to continue their impressive form when they take on a Lille side who have lost four of their last nine matches in all competitions. No team has scored more goals in the French top flight this season than Marseille’s 35 in 14 matches and Lille are no slouches either, netting 28 times, so back a high-scoring away win.

Middlesbrough have only lost three of their 18 games and are fancied to pick up back-to-back wins against Hull, who have lost three of their last five outings and have the worst defensive record in the top half.

Over the last 10 games both of these teams have ranked in the top 10 of the league in pace. The visitors have been scoring close to 120 points per game on the road this season but will be without a great perimeter defender in Holiday here. That should open the door for Cunningham to help the Pistons do their part too.

Jamal Murray just exploded for 52 points in a big win over Indiana, the Nuggets are 9-2 SU on the road and 5-0 ATS/SU in 5 meetings with the Hawks. Atlanta has lost back-to-back games, they’ve been pretty mediocre at home this season.

Chicago needs a bounce back performance to end their 5-game losing streak, Indiana is the perfect opponent for that. The Bulls have covered in 6 of 9 home games and with Indy still being without a road win this season, it’s hard to not consider the Bulls in this one.

The Raptors have won 75 percent of their games with Poeltl in the lineup. The Austrian is set to return tonight and should help the hosts thrive against a Hornets team that has dropped 9 straight games on the road and a team that has been 28th in net offensive and defensive rating over the last 10 games.

The number is just too big for me here. Phoenix is one of the better three-point shooting teams in the NBA and whenever you have good shooting you’ll stay in games. Their recent record of 11-3 ATS in 14 outings is the prime example of that. Houston is the better team on paper, they still win here, but the Suns keep it close.

Over the last 10 games both of these teams have ranked in the top 10 of the league in pace. The visitors have been scoring close to 120 points per game on the road this season but will be without a great perimeter defender in Holiday here. That should open the door for Cunningham to help the Pistons do their part too.

Chicago needs a bounce back performance to end their 5-game losing streak, Indiana is the perfect opponent for that. The Bulls have covered in 6 of 9 home games and with Indy still being without a road win this season, it’s hard to not consider the Bulls in this one.

The Raptors have won 75 percent of their games with Poeltl in the lineup. The Austrian is set to return tonight and should help the hosts thrive against a Hornets team that has dropped 9 straight games on the road and a team that has been 28th in net offensive and defensive rating over the last 10 games.

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 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.

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.

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.

Salford have kept only one clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions while Leyton Orient have shipped 18 goals in their last nine away games. Both teams have scored in six of Leyton Orient’s last nine away games and also in three of the last five meetings between these sides

Groningen have kept only one clean sheet on their travels this term, while both teams have scored in three of Excelsior’s last four.

Both teams have scored in each of Dender’s last seven matches, after the bottom club found their groove going forward. Six of their eight away games so far have have seen BTTS land, including each of their last four on the road.

Lechia Gdansk have seen BTTS land in each of their last seven matches, while the visitors have gone nine matches without a clean sheet. The hosts have shipped 35 goals in 17 matches, so back both defences to struggle.

Marseille have won nine of their 14 league games and are fancied to continue their impressive form when they take on a Lille side who have lost four of their last nine matches in all competitions. No team has scored more goals in the French top flight this season than Marseille’s 35 in 14 matches and Lille are no slouches either, netting 28 times, so back a high-scoring away win.

Middlesbrough have only lost three of their 18 games and are fancied to pick up back-to-back wins against Hull, who have lost three of their last five outings and have the worst defensive record in the top half. Both teams have scored in five of Hull’s last seven league matches and the same looks likely in what could be a competitive affair.

The third-bottom hosts have lost seven of their nine clashes with the top half, including a 2-1 loss to leaders Gornik Zabrze. The visitors have won both of their visits to bottom-half teams, but they’ve shipped 10 goals in eight trips.

Salford have kept only one clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions while Leyton Orient have shipped 18 goals in their last nine away games. Both teams have scored in six of Leyton Orient’s last nine away games and also in three of the last five meetings between these sides

Middlesbrough have only lost three of their 18 games and are fancied to pick up back-to-back wins against Hull, who have lost three of their last five outings and have the worst defensive record in the top half.

Marseille have won nine of their 14 league games and are fancied to continue their impressive form when they take on a Lille side who have lost four of their last nine matches in all competitions.

Benfica remain unbeaten in the Portuguese Primeira Liga this season, but they have struggled when coming up against top opposition and they could be vulnerable against Sporting, who have kept four clean sheets in their last six games.

Middlesbrough have only lost three of their 18 games and are fancied to pick up back-to-back wins against Hull, who have lost three of their last five outings and have the worst defensive record in the top half.

No team has scored more goals in the French top flight this season than Marseille’s 35 in 14 matches and Lille are no slouches either, netting 28 times, so this should be an entertaining affair.

No team has scored more goals in the French top flight this season than Marseille’s 35 in 14 matches and Lille are no slouches either, netting 28 times, so this should be an entertaining affair. A 3-1 win for Marseille is the pick.

Sporting’s defence has been solid in recent weeks while Benfica have struggled to break down better rearguards, so the visitors can come away with a 2-0 success.

Suarez has nine goals in 12 league games this term, while the forward has scored three times across his last two outings, including a brace in his last league game.

Both teams have scored in each if Auckland’s last four games, while there have been goals at both ends in five of Wellington’s last six and they have gone seven games without a clean sheet.

Newcastle’s A-League games are averaging over four goals per-game and at least three in total looks likely when they face Melbourne City. The visitors’ games have been generally low scoring, but the Jets have conceded at least two goals in all their home games so far this season so these sides should be able to combine for over 2.5 goals.

Sydney FC have scored 12 goals in six A-League games but they are yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels. Central Coast are unbeaten at home and have scored four goals across their three games at this venue, so both of these New South Wales rivals should be able to get on the scoresheet.

Sydney FC have scored 12 goals in six A-League games but they are yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels. Central Coast are unbeaten at home and have scored four goals across their three games at this venue, so both of these New South Wales rivals should be able to get on the scoresheet.

Newcastle may be sitting a disappointing 12th in the Premier League, but they have won six and drawn one of their last seven at home and should get a victory over a Burnley side whose only away points came against Wolves.

Take Southampton to continue their recent winning form at home to Birmingham on Saturday. Tonda Eckert’s side have won their last two games at St. Mary’s Stadium and should be too strong for Chris Davies’ visitors.

A run of draws has dented Toulouse’s European aspirations but the visit of Strasbourg, who have lost their last three away games in Ligue 1, offers an opportunity to pick up a three-point haul.

Leverkusen are nine places and 13 points above Augsburg and have won four straight head-to-heads. Augsburg have taken just one win from their last six matches and have failed to keep a clean sheet in five home games. Leverkusen’s recent form and past margins support a comfortable away victory.

Barcelona have been in dominant form going forwards this season and they should be able to extend their wonderful record as they visit Real Betis. The hosts have been solid but Barca have seen all 12 of their league wins also go over 2.5 goals and they may simply blow away their hosts.

Huesca are struggling in La Liga 2 but their home form isn’t the issue. Huesca have four wins and just one defeat in eight home league games and can claim a crucial win over out-of-sorts Valladolid, who are on a four-game winless run (D2, L2) and have scored just one goal across those fixtures.

Hibs suffered a 2-1 defeat to Celtic last time out but impressed in that loss regardless. With home advantage, the Edinburgh side should have too much for a Falkirk outfit who have lost three of their Premiership trips.

Forest Green have the division’s best home record with eight wins in 11 games. They should have too much for poor travellers Solihull Moors, who have four defeats in their last six trips across all comps.

St Johnstone are the pacesetters in the Championship and they are yet to be beaten at home in the league, with 18 points from eight games. Saints should be able to see off Raith, who have scored just one goal across their last five away games (D2, L3).

Stenhousemuir sit five points above Hamilton in the table and are in form with three wins in a row. The Accies have lost their last two on the road, and could be in line for another loss at Stenny.

Aldershot have suffered eight consecutive league losses in a row, and they could be in line for more misery when in-form Altrincham arrive at the Recreation Ground on Saturday. Alty are one of the division’s form sides with four wins in their last five games.

Leipzig have won five from five at home, while they’ve won eight of their nine clashes against teams outside the top five. The visitors have scored in 11 of their first 12 Bundesliga matches, so back them to find the net in a defeat.

Sheffield United have racked up three wins in a row to move out of the Championship relegation zone and they can continue their resurgence with a win against Stoke at Bramall Lane.

Against all odds, Lens find themselves at the summit of the Ligue 1 table heading into gameweek 15, and they can consolidate their position against the struggling Nantes on Saturday.

Leeds put in a high-tempo and threatening attacking performance when beating Chelsea 3-1 in midweek, and with the Elland Road crowd up, that looks the exact recipe which has been causing a confidence-drained Liverpool so many issues this term.

Aldershot have suffered eight consecutive league losses in a row, and they could be in line for more misery when in-form Altrincham arrive at the Recreation Ground on Saturday. Alty are one of the division’s form sides with four wins in their last five games.

28 goals have been scored in Tottenham’s last six matches and over 2.5 goals has landed in all six of these ties, while Brentford have seen three or more goals in three of their last four outings.

Bristol City look the right side here. They’ve taken three wins from their last four at Ashton Gate and face a Millwall team wobbling on the road, with no wins in three away and back-to-back defeats. Millwall’s defence is creaking too, conceding in five of their last six and shipping 13 goals on their travels. City’s punchier home attack should tell.

Barnsley won 1-0 at Peterborough in League One back in August but this FA Cup meeting should offer a bit more entertainment. Posh have scored nine goals across their last four league games, while the Tykes have hit eight across their last three. Both teams have scored in five of Barnsley’s last six on the road across all competitions and they’ve only kept one away shut-out all season.

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.