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.
Ahead of a week packed with top-quality games around Europe, there’s plenty of choice for football fans in the seven days ahead.
This week’s lowdown on the best live games was such a close run thing that it deserves some honourable mentions. Friday’s big derby in Portugal between Porto and Benfica would make the cut most weeks, as would the Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juve.
However, this is an action-packed week and we have some great games to get through. Our seven tips across each day this week combine for a 73/1 accumulator tip. Don’t forget to visit our tips page for daily football accumulator tips.
Monday – Spezia vs Sampdoria
7:45pm, Premier Sports 1
Why we’re watching:
These two sides are both incredibly entertaining, with over 2.5 goals landing 81% of their Serie A games this term. With both in scoring form, that should lead to goals in this clash.
What we’re backing:
Defensive issues hold back both sides. Spezia are searching for a first clean sheet since November, while Sampdoria haven’t kept one since October.
Betting tip: Both Teams to Score at 8/13
Tuesday – Burnley vs Manchester United
8:15pm, Sky Sports Main Event
Why we’re watching:
Manchester United away games have consistently delivered in the Premier League this term. The Red Devils have seen over 3.5 goals in 100% of their away games this term so this should be a high-scoring clash.
What we’re backing:
United have conceded in every away trip this term. However, the Red Devils have won six of seven trips so far and they should have too much quality for the Clarets.
Betting tip: United & both teams to score at 21/10
Wednesday – Man City vs Brighton
6pm, BT Sport 1
Why we’re watching:
Man City look back in the groove and they should show that against a Brighton side who have looked poor in the top-flight so far. The Seagulls rarely put in a backs-to-the-wall display so this is a chance to potentially catch City at their best.
What we’re backing:
The hosts have won by two or more goals in five of eight league wins this term and in all but one of their home victories. With City impressing going forward they should have little trouble clearing a -1 handicap.
Betting tip: City -1 at 8/15
Thursday – Atalanta vs Cagliari
8:15pm, BT Sport 1
Why we’re watching:
Both teams have scored frequently in Cagliari games, landing on 12 occasions so far this term. Atalanta are a thrilling side to watch so this should be the most end-to-end game on Thursday.
What we’re backing:
Atalanta demolished Benevento at the weekend and they won’t want to let their chance of silverware slip this season. While Cagliari are capable of scoring, that’s the height of what we expect from them.
Betting tip: Atalanta & both teams to score at 13/10
Friday – Lazio vs Roma
7:45pm, Premier Sports 1
Why we’re watching:
The Rome derby is always an intense affair, even if there won’t be fans at the ground. With Roma making strides towards a title challenge and Lazio hitting form themselves this should be a great encounter.
What we’re backing:
Lazio have scored in 94% of their league games and they’ve found the net in each of their last 13 in Serie A. Meanwhile, Roma have scored in all but one of their league games at the Olimpico so far.
Betting tip: Both teams to score at 4/7
Saturday – Stuttgart vs Borussia Monchengladbach
5:15pm, BT Sport 1
Why we’re watching:
With most big sides playing on Sunday, we’re looking at what should be a high-scoring clash on Saturday evening as the pick of the day.
What we’re backing:
Gladbach have scored in their last 14 games and they meet a Stuttgart side who have conceded in their last 11 Bundesliga matches. However, Gladbach have shipped 15 goals in their seven on the road so far.
Betting tip: Both teams to score at 1/2
Sunday – Liverpool vs Man United
4:30pm, Sky Sports Main Event
Why we’re watching:
With United roaring back into form this clash at Anfield is a big one in the title race. The Red Devils provide entertainment on the road, while Liverpool have started to falter.
What we’re backing:
Man United have gone unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games and the Red Devils are yet to lose on the road this term. Meanwhile, Liverpool are winless in three league games.
Betting tip: United or draw double chance at 4/5
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