Both teams have scored in four of HJK’s last five home games and they have only drawn a blank once at home in 13 games across all comps. Oulu have scored in 11 of their 12 trips, while BTTS has landed in nine of those games.

Midtjylland have seen score draws in each of their last three league games and they head to a side who saw six of their 16 home games finish level last season. The pair should both get forward well, and could combine for at least four goals.

Beerschot have conceded in both their preseason games and they meet a Leuven side that scored in seven of their final eight league games last term. However, with the visitors struggling to keep it together defensively a home win with goals at both ends has appeal.

Sligo have won their last four games in all competitions and can make home advantage count when they take on Galway.

With Hamilton fresh from a defeat, Raith Rovers can capitalise on the visitors’ poor run. The Accies have won just once in preseason, losing three of their last five games. Raith haven’t lost any of their last 11 home games in this competition, but Hamilton have only failed to score in one of their last 10 LC games so back the visitors to strike in defeat.

Goteborg won 3-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and have taken seven points from the last nine available at home. Back the hosts to prevail against a Brommapojkarna side who have two defeats in their last three games.

Moses Itauma’s last five fights have all finished inside the first two rounds and his meeting with veteran Marisuz Wach could be done and dusted well before the midway point in this 10-round affair.

This is a rematch after a majority draw in the first meeting, which ended early in the ninth round due to a cut. The first fight was close but McCann was probably edging it and he didn’t get the chance to raise his level in the championship rounds. He can get the decision on Saturday against Baluta, who has four defeats on his CV but has never been stopped.

Joe Joyce is in must-win territory but has looked a shadow of his former self in his last three fights, two losses to Zhilei Zhang and a comeback win over Kash Ali. Derek Chisora is a pressure fighter with a wealth of experience and that could prove the difference.

Joe Joyce is in must-win territory but has looked a shadow of his former self in his last three fights, two losses to Zhilei Zhang and a comeback win over Kash Ali. Derek Chisora is a pressure fighter with a wealth of experience and that could prove the difference.

Each of these teams lead their division, but neither team is over .500 so far in the month of July. With both teams struggling offensively, I’m projecting a low scoring game in Philadelphia. Ben Lively and Cristopher Sanchez have allowed more than 3 earned runs a combined 5 times in their 36 starts this season and each teams’ bullpen ranks 1st and 2nd in xFIP.

Grayson Rodriguez was sharp in his first start following the all-star break, and should pitch well at home against an aggressive Padres lineup. Adam Mazur has been struggling with 3 or more earned runs allowed in 6 of his last 7 starts and that could be troublesome against a Baltimore lineup capable of attacking his worst split with several lethal left-handed bats.

Nestor Cortes has been abysmal on the road this year with an ERA over 6 in 10 road starts, and has struggled mightily in the month of July. His counterpart Brayan Bello has put out 3 quality starts in 4 outings so far in July. I like the Red Sox here to get the job done against the struggling Yanks.

With strong pitchers Gavin Stone and Framber Valdez on the mound, the under 8.5 runs looks promising. Both teams boast top-10 ERAs, setting the stage for a low-scoring affair. Bet the under at -120, playable to -125.

Each of these teams lead their division, but neither team is over .500 so far in the month of July. With both teams struggling offensively, I’m projecting a low scoring game in Philadelphia. Ben Lively and Cristopher Sanchez have allowed more than 3 earned runs a combined 5 times in their 36 starts this season and each teams’ bullpen ranks 1st and 2nd in xFIP.

Grayson Rodriguez was sharp in his first start following the all-star break, and should pitch well at home against an aggressive Padres lineup. Adam Mazur has been struggling with 3 or more earned runs allowed in 6 of his last 7 starts and that could be troublesome against a Baltimore lineup capable of attacking his worst split with several lethal left-handed bats.

Why is Toronto favored? Texas hits lefties better than Toronto. Toronto has the 2nd worst bullpen in baseball. Kikuchi is struggling lately, and he rarely gets through 6 innings. Heaney has been fine. Texas is hot, Toronto is threatening to sell. I don’t get it. Hammer Texas.

The Mets are on a tear as of late, and the Braves continue to slide down in the NL East standings.  The Braves have been plagued by injuries, and the big question mark for the Mets tonight is how will Senga pitch in his season debut as he recovers from a shoulder injury.  Senga struggled in his rehab starts, but I think he’ll be able to limit the number of runs the Braves score and the Mets will get the win this evening. 

Nestor Cortes has been abysmal on the road this year with an ERA over 6 in 10 road starts, and has struggled mightily in the month of July. His counterpart Brayan Bello has put out 3 quality starts in 4 outings so far in July. I like the Red Sox here to get the job done against the struggling Yanks.

This Cubs team has fallen off the face of the earth since the All-Star break and it’s way too difficult to trust them in this matchup, even with their Ace on the mound.  The Cubs are averaging less than 2 runs per game in their last 6 starts, while the Royals are averaging almost 6. The Cubs are the weaker team, and I think the Royals will score enough to win this game. 

With strong pitchers Gavin Stone and Framber Valdez on the mound, the under 8.5 runs looks promising. Both teams boast top-10 ERAs, setting the stage for a low-scoring affair. Bet the under at -120, playable to -125.

Why is Toronto favored? Texas hits lefties better than Toronto. Toronto has the 2nd worst bullpen in baseball. Kikuchi is struggling lately, and he rarely gets through 6 innings. Heaney has been fine. Texas is hot, Toronto is threatening to sell. I don’t get it. Hammer Texas.

The Mets are on a tear as of late, and the Braves continue to slide down in the NL East standings.  The Braves have been plagued by injuries, and the big question mark for the Mets tonight is how will Senga pitch in his season debut as he recovers from a shoulder injury.  Senga struggled in his rehab starts, but I think he’ll be able to limit the number of runs the Braves score and the Mets will get the win this evening. 

This Cubs team has fallen off the face of the earth since the All-Star break and it’s way too difficult to trust them in this matchup, even with their Ace on the mound.  The Cubs are averaging less than 2 runs per game in their last 6 starts, while the Royals are averaging almost 6. The Cubs are the weaker team, and I think the Royals will score enough to win this game. 

Scheffler won the Hero World Challenge at the end of 2023 and he heads into the new year with his work to improve his putting already reaping rewards. With form figures of 19-18-1-10 at Augusta, that improvement makes him among the leading contenders. 

McIlroy has an excellent record at the US PGA, winning the tournament twice. He has already won this tournament at Valhalla Golf Club – which is this year’s venue. That added edge should see him end his Majors draught at the US PGA this summer. 

Johnston won the US Open in 2016, a year after a second-place finish at the tournament. Overall he has seven top 10 finishes to his name at this event, including another one in 2023. Back him to lift his third Major title, having won the last time it was held at Pinehurst.

Schauffele is the final selection having been second at the 2018 Open, while he was victorious at the Scottish Open in 2022. He’s finished inside the top 20 in four of his six Open appearances and his great links golf record makes him a standout at this event. With six of the last seven Open winners coming from the States, back Schauffele to continue that trend. 

When it comes to winning at Carnoustie, one man who sticks out like a sore thumb and that’s Padraig Harrington, who claimed the Claret Jug at the venue in 2007 before following up at Royal Birkdale the following year.

Akshay Bhatia has quickly won two PGA Tour titles – last season’s Barracuda Championship and the Texas Open in April – and he came close to a third when finishing runner-up at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in June. While the 22-year-old blew a golden chance on that occasion, he has the self-belief to bounce back quickly and a missed cut at Troon is of little concern given his lack of links experience.

Akshay Bhatia has quickly won two PGA Tour titles – last season’s Barracuda Championship and the Texas Open in April – and he came close to a third when finishing runner-up at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in June. While the 22-year-old blew a golden chance on that occasion, he has the self-belief to bounce back quickly and a missed cut at Troon is of little concern given his lack of links experience.

When it comes to winning at Carnoustie, one man who sticks out like a sore thumb and that’s Padraig Harrington, who claimed the Claret Jug at the venue in 2007 before following up at Royal Birkdale the following year.

Aryna Sabalenka had a year to remember in 2023 as she claimed her maiden Grand Slam title and moved up to world number one.

Sabalenka’s first Major came at the Australian Open and there is no reason to doubt her as she bids to defend her title and show why she should be considered the best female player on the planet.

The Belarusian’s hard-hitting style makes her extremely tough to beat when on song and she has been a model of consistency in Grand Slam events, having also finished runner-up at last season’s US Open and made at least the semi-final in six of her last nine Majors.

Iga Swiatek has a point to prove next season after being replaced by Sabalenka as world number one, so expect her to return to the court with a vengeance.

Swiatek is proving a formidable force on clay, having won the French Open in three of the last four seasons, and the Pole is likely to showcase her clay-court prowess once again and should take plenty of stopping in her Roland Garros title defence.

Things petered out for Elena Rybakina last season having started so positively with a runner-up effort at the Australian Open, but the classy Kazakh is likely to come back stronger and could regain her Wimbledon title.

Rybakina’s serving tailed off at the end of last season but she was crowned Wimbledon champion in 2022 and then she made the quarter-final in her title defence, which highlights her grass-court credentials.

With Swiatek yet to deliver her best on grass, the All England Club may be the perfect place for the world number four to showcase her talents.

This season’s US Open was further evidence that home players have a significant advantage in front of passionate support and American ace Coco Gauff could be tough to thwart in her title defence.

Gauff thrived on hard courts last season and showed great character throughout her US Open adventure, which included a come-from-behind win over newly-crowned world number one Sabalenka in the final.

The 19-year-old could go from strength to strength after her landmark win and it’s tough to forget that she lost only one of her final 19 matches of the 2023 campaign.

Novak Djokovic won three of the four Grand Slam titles last season to take his Major haul to 24, showing at 36 years of age that he still has plenty left to offer.

Djokovic was crowned Australian Open champion for a tenth time last season and, having won the Melbourne title in four of the last five years, he should take plenty of stopping as he is rarely undercooked for the opening Major of the campaign.

Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are unlikely to have things their own way all season and they may be at their most vulnerable at the French Open, where there appears to be plenty of strength in depth amongst the clay-court performers.

With King of Clay Rafael Nadal having struggled for recent appearances, Danish youngster Holger Rune may pose the most serious test and he did claim the 2019 French Open boys’ singles title.

Rune’s two French Open main draw appearances have resulted in runs to the quarter-final while at 20 years of age he is already a four-time finalist on the clay.

Djokovic had won Wimbledon on four straight occasions prior to losing to Alcaraz in last season’s final, but Jannik Sinner may be ready to serve it up to the big two this year.

The big-serving Sinner appears to have a game well-suited to the grass, having made the quarter-final in 2022 and gone one better on his way to the semi-finals last season.

The impressive Italian was no match for Djokovic in the last four but the 22-year-old is still open to plenty of improvement and claiming his maiden Masters 1000 title in Canada should have installed him with the belief to challenge for Grand Slam silverware.

Alcaraz already has two Grand Slam titles to his name despite being only 20 and the Spanish sensation looks certain to add plenty of big successes to his CV in the years to come, starting with another US Open title.

The Murcia man lifted his first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows two years ago and although beaten in the semi-final by Daniil Medvedev last season, that setback looks set to spur him on to even loftier heights.

Novak Djokovic won three of the four Grand Slam titles last season to take his Major haul to 24, showing at 36 years of age that he still has plenty left to offer.

Djokovic was crowned Australian Open champion for a tenth time last season and, having won the Melbourne title in four of the last five years, he should take plenty of stopping as he is rarely undercooked for the opening Major of the campaign.

Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are unlikely to have things their own way all season and they may be at their most vulnerable at the French Open, where there appears to be plenty of strength in depth amongst the clay-court performers.

With King of Clay Rafael Nadal having struggled for recent appearances, Danish youngster Holger Rune may pose the most serious test and he did claim the 2019 French Open boys’ singles title.

Rune’s two French Open main draw appearances have resulted in runs to the quarter-final while at 20 years of age he is already a four-time finalist on the clay.

Djokovic had won Wimbledon on four straight occasions prior to losing to Alcaraz in last season’s final, but Jannik Sinner may be ready to serve it up to the big two this year.

The big-serving Sinner appears to have a game well-suited to the grass, having made the quarter-final in 2022 and gone one better on his way to the semi-finals last season.

The impressive Italian was no match for Djokovic in the last four but the 22-year-old is still open to plenty of improvement and claiming his maiden Masters 1000 title in Canada should have installed him with the belief to challenge for Grand Slam silverware.

Alcaraz already has two Grand Slam titles to his name despite being only 20 and the Spanish sensation looks certain to add plenty of big successes to his CV in the years to come, starting with another US Open title.

The Murcia man lifted his first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows two years ago and although beaten in the semi-final by Daniil Medvedev last season, that setback looks set to spur him on to even loftier heights.

Aryna Sabalenka had a year to remember in 2023 as she claimed her maiden Grand Slam title and moved up to world number one.

Sabalenka’s first Major came at the Australian Open and there is no reason to doubt her as she bids to defend her title and show why she should be considered the best female player on the planet.

The Belarusian’s hard-hitting style makes her extremely tough to beat when on song and she has been a model of consistency in Grand Slam events, having also finished runner-up at last season’s US Open and made at least the semi-final in six of her last nine Majors.

Iga Swiatek has a point to prove next season after being replaced by Sabalenka as world number one, so expect her to return to the court with a vengeance.

Swiatek is proving a formidable force on clay, having won the French Open in three of the last four seasons, and the Pole is likely to showcase her clay-court prowess once again and should take plenty of stopping in her Roland Garros title defence.

Things petered out for Elena Rybakina last season having started so positively with a runner-up effort at the Australian Open, but the classy Kazakh is likely to come back stronger and could regain her Wimbledon title.

Rybakina’s serving tailed off at the end of last season but she was crowned Wimbledon champion in 2022 and then she made the quarter-final in her title defence, which highlights her grass-court credentials.

With Swiatek yet to deliver her best on grass, the All England Club may be the perfect place for the world number four to showcase her talents.

This season’s US Open was further evidence that home players have a significant advantage in front of passionate support and American ace Coco Gauff could be tough to thwart in her title defence.

Gauff thrived on hard courts last season and showed great character throughout her US Open adventure, which included a come-from-behind win over newly-crowned world number one Sabalenka in the final.

The 19-year-old could go from strength to strength after her landmark win and it’s tough to forget that she lost only one of her final 19 matches of the 2023 campaign.

Raith Rovers have seen both teams score in five of their last six League Cup games, including each of their last two. Hamilton were beaten 2-1 by Ross County in midweek and they’ve scored in nine of their last 10 matches in this competition.

Peterhead have scored in 10 of their last 11 games, with both teams scoring in nine of those games. Hibs are clearly a level above the visitors and should be able to grab a few goals but the capital club have conceded in their last two LC games and could be vulnerable at the back so both teams to score appeals here.

Argentina have seen both teams score in four of their last five games, both scoring and conceding ten goals in this run. Iraq have scored in five of their last six games but only have one clean sheet in this period.

Promoted Dender scored 28 goals in 15 home games last season and should be fired up for their first game in Belgium’s top tier. Union SG will hope to challenge at the top and look worthy favourites so they should be able to grab at least a goal, while BTTS has landed in each of their last six games (including friendlies) and three of their last four competitive outings.

Both teams have scored in four of HJK’s last five home games and they have only drawn a blank once at home in 13 games across all comps. Oulu have scored in 11 of their 12 trips, while BTTS has landed in nine of those games.

Sergio Gomez scored the winner for Spain against Uzbekistan and also had a goal disallowed three minutes before that notch. He was a threat throughout and could make the difference in Bordeaux.

Michael Olise was France’s star against the USA with a goal and an assist, The Bayern Munich new boy has now scored four goals in his last three international games and can add to his haul on Saturday.

Olympics 2020 silver-medallists Spain won their opener against Uzbekistan and face a Dominican Republic side that have lost four of their last six games. They have failed to score in four of these matches and were hammered 7-0 by France in their final warm-up game.

France overcame USA 3-0 in their opener and each of their last three victories have been by three or more goals. The hosts should be able to win with room to spare against a Guinea side who were beaten by New Zealand in their own opener.

USA lost to France in their opener but showed enough quality in that game to suggest they can still be competitive in the Games. The Americans can respond with a win over a New Zealand side who perhaps rode their luck in their own opening win over Guinea.

Argentina have seen both teams score in four of their last five games, both scoring and conceding ten goals in this run. Iraq have scored in five of their last six games but only have one clean sheet in this period.

France overcame USA 3-0 in their opener and each of their last three victories have been by three or more goals. The hosts should be able to win with room to spare against a Guinea side who were beaten by New Zealand in their own opener.

Over 2.5 goals has landed in all three of Aberdeen’s League Cup games so far and Dumbarton played out a seven-goal thriller in their last fixture. There have been 11 goals scored in total across Dumbarton’s three games, of which they have scored four, so it seems likely these teams will be able to combine for at least three goals in total.

Raith Rovers have seen both teams score in five of their last six League Cup games, including each of their last two. Hamilton were beaten 2-1 by Ross County in midweek and they’ve scored in nine of their last 10 matches in this competition.

Over 2.5 goals has landed in all three of Aberdeen’s League Cup games so far and Dumbarton played out a seven-goal thriller in their last fixture. There have been 11 goals scored in total across Dumbarton’s three games, of which they have scored four, so these teams may be able to combine for at least four goals.

Midtjylland have seen score draws in each of their last three league games and they head to a side who saw six of their 16 home games finish level last season. The pair should both get forward well, and could combine for at least four goals.

Over 3.5 goals has landed in three of KFUM’s last six games – the others have all seen three goals scored – and the Oslo outfit have scored in all of those games. There have been at least four goals scored in three of Glimt’s last four and they have conceded in their last four domestic games, so this has the potential to be a high-scoring Eliteserien showdown.

Over 2.5 goals has landed in all three of Aberdeen’s League Cup games so far and Dumbarton played out a seven-goal thriller in their last fixture. There have been 11 goals scored in total across Dumbarton’s three games, of which they have scored four, so it seems likely these teams will be able to combine for at least three goals in total.

Hibs will be looking to respond after the loss to Kelty Hearts and they have managed 10 goals in total across their three League Cup games, Peterhead have scored in 10 of their last 11 competitive games and can grab a consolation effort at Easter Road.

St Johnstone lost at Alloa in midweek and they take on an East Fife side who are unbeaten across three games in this group, not even conceding a goal. The visitors have kept six successive clean sheets in their summer fixtures and with Alloa winning just twice in their last five home games in this competition, East Fife with a +2 head-start appeals.

Livingston have won all of their League Cup games without conceding and can keep that run going against League Two outfit Spartans.

Queens Park should have too much for poor travellers Kelty Hearts, who have lost four of their last seven trips and have won just once during that run.

USA lost to France in their opener but showed enough quality in that game to suggest they can still be competitive in the Games. The Americans can respond with a win over a New Zealand side who perhaps rode their luck in their own opening win over Guinea. The OlyWhites have scored in each of their last five games, so take the USA to win and concede. 

Rosenborg have lost five of their seven away games in the league this term and could suffer another against a solid Fredrikstad team. Both teams have scored in Rosenborg’s last eight completed Eliteserien games. 

Beerschot have conceded in both their preseason games and they meet a Leuven side that scored in seven of their final eight league games last term. However, with the visitors struggling to keep it together defensively a home win with goals at both ends has appeal.

Halmstad have lost a league-high nine games this season, including five of their last six, so Varnamo are fancied to pick up a crucial road victory. Both teams have scored in four of Halmstad’s last five league games.

Beerschot conceded just 11 goals in 15 home games on their way to promotion last season and they can kick off the new campaign with three points at their own ground. Leuven struggled on the road last term with nine losses in 15 away games through the regular season, shipping a huge 32 goals.

Anderlecht have covered a -1 handicap in four of their last five meetings with Sint-Truiden, while the visitors head into the new campaign following comprehensive defeats to Cologne and Ajax.

Rosenborg have lost five of their seven away games in the league this term and could suffer another against a solid Fredrikstad team.

Halmstad have lost a league-high nine games this season, including five of their last six, so Varnamo are fancied to pick up a crucial road victory.

Anderlecht have scored at least three times in three of the last four clashes between these two sides, while the visitors shipped 32 goals across their first 15 away trips last season. Take the hosts to cruise to a 3-0 victory considering Sint-Truiden’s preseason struggles.

Sligo have won their last four games in all competitions. Four of Galway’s last five have gone under 2.5 goals and they are among the lowest-scorers in the division, take a 1-0 win for Sligo.

France overcame USA 3-0 in their opener and each of their last three victories have been by three or more goals. The hosts should be able to win with room to spare against a Guinea side who were beaten by New Zealand in their own opener.

Japan have been drawn in what looks a winnable group and if they can top the pile they should avoid France and Spain until the final. Japan have enjoyed a strong build-up and could be dark horses for the top prize.

France have home advantage and what looks to be a strong squad for the Summer Games and they look the team to beat in the battle for the Gold Medal.

The backbone of this French side is the Lyon outfit which finished as runners-up in last season’s Women’s Champions League and that could help the hosts to gold. The French have a clearer pathway through than many of the favourites and they have the talent to challenge the likes of Spain and the USA.