Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
A week ago we had to make do with the UEFA Nations League as the only highlight of a quiet Sunday, but things are very different this weekend. A bumper day of action across the big five European leagues leaves us spoilt for choice.
Luckily, we’ve recruited three Racing Post tipsters to join us in picking out a standout bet from Sunday’s fixtures. After last weekend’s winner, we’re hoping for more success with this week’s 63/1 accumulator.
Experts’ Accumulator tip
Alex Wrigley
Sports editor and journalist at Free Super Tips
Strasbourg vs St Etienne – Over 1.5 Strasbourg goals at evens
St Etienne picked up a surprising draw at home to Lyon before the international break but the visitors remain justified underdogs for their trip to the Stade de la Meinau on Sunday.
They are rock-bottom of the Ligue 1 table and have conceded 18 goals in nine games so far, with ten of those coming in just four trips away. They have conceded at least twice in all their away days this term and hosts Strasbourg have put three past St Etienne’s fellow bottom-dwellers Metz and Brest on home soil this season.
Aaron Rogan
Sports journalist at Free Super Tips
Sassuolo are coming off the back of a bad run, but they’ve had a very difficult run of fixtures. Defeats by a single goal to Roma, Atalanta and Inter across their last five games is nothing to be ashamed of, especially as they prepare to face a poor Genoa outfit.
The hosts have claimed one point from three home games so far, conceding seven times in that run. They’ve only once avoided conceding twice in their seven Serie A games this term, while Sassuolo won their opening trip of the season 3-2 at Verona. Sassuolo have won their last three against Genoa – scoring nine times – so back at least two more goals for the Neroverdi.
Gareth Freeman
Sports journalist at Free Super Tips
Bielefeld are still seeking their first win of the Bundesliga season and have lost three of their last four games, failing to score in each of their last three.
Augsburg are just one point above the visitors ahead of Sunday’s meeting but they have picked up a bit recently and look good value to record a second win of the season here at odds against.
The Fuggerstadter beat Borussia Monchengladbach in their last home game and showed a bit of fight in a 2-1 defeat at Dortmund before the international break and this looks a very winnable fixture for the hosts.
Aaron Ashley
Sports journalist at Racing Post
Troyes vs Nice – Nice to win at 10-11
Nice are going great guns in Ligue 1, having amassed 16 points from their opening eight games, and their flying start may continue with victory at a troubled Troyes.
Christophe Galtier, who left champions Lille for Nice, is getting a right tune out of his players and already European qualification is looking like a realistic target.
The Eaglets have won three of their first four away league matches, keeping clean sheets in victories at Lille, Nantes and St Etienne, whereas fourth-bottom Troyes still await a first home win of the campaign and have some injuries to contend with.
Liam Flin
Sports journalist at Racing Post
Rayo Vallecano vs Elche – Rayo Vallecano to win at 4/5
Rayo Vallecano are certainly a team to keep an eye on in La Liga this season, having recently moved into early contention for a European berth, and they can continue their solid start with victory over Elche this weekend.
Vallecano were beaten by Osasuna prior to the international break but had beaten Getafe, Athletic Bilbao and Cadiz beforehand, meaning their points tally is at 13 from eight games.
Radamel Falcao has so far looked like a terrific signing with three goals in four games and they have the attacking firepower to account for Elche, who have lost to Villarreal and Real Sociedad in their last two away fixtures.
Ian Wilkerson
Sports journalist at Racing Post
Newcastle vs Tottenham – Newcastle draw no bet at 6/5
It has been a momentous week at Newcastle following the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover and owner Mike Ashley’s departure should liven the atmosphere at St James’ Park. And Tottenham look the ideal sort of team for the Magpies to be taking on as their new era dawns.
Spurs got back to winning ways with a 2-1 success against Aston Villa before the international break, but they were woeful in London derby defeats to Chelsea, Crystal palace and Arsenal before that, it is difficult to trust them.
There has been little from Nuno’s side to suggest they could cope with what may be an intimidating atmosphere – they were certainly found lacking at the Emirates – and a draw would not necessarily be a bad result as they look to steady their form on the road.
So it could be a good move to back United and get your money back if the game finishes level.
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