Football
10 Matches To Bet On And Value Bets
The major football leagues may have wrapped up, but the action continues.
We’ve picked out 10 matches taking place this weekend that are well worth a punt. Check out our suggested bets and top value picks to help you make more informed decisions.
Benfica vs Chelsea (Saturday)
Chelsea and Benfica face off in a European showdown at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Saturday, with a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals at stake. It promises to be a tightly-fought contest, but should Enzo Maresca field a full-strength line-up and his side click in attack, the Premier League outfit could have the upper hand over the Portuguese giants.
Suggested bet: Chelsea to win
Value bet: Chelsea to win and over 2.5 goals
Palmeiras vs Botafogo (Saturday)
An all-Brazilian showdown kicks off the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday, as Palmeiras lock horns with Botafogo in Philadelphia. While Palmeiras have shown stronger league form back home, it’s Botafogo who have turned heads on the global stage. With bragging rights and a quarter-final place up for grabs, expect a tense affair that could be settled by a goal or two.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score
Value bet: Palmeiras to win and both teams to score
Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Miami (Sunday)
Lionel Messi is set for a high-profile reunion with his former club as Inter Miami face off against reigning European champions PSG in Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 showdown. While the star-studded French side enter as clear favourites, Inter Miami boast a wealth of experience with the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, and could pose a genuine threat if they rise to the occasion.
Suggested bet: Paris Saint-Germain to win
Value bet: Paris Saint-Germain to win and over 3.5 goals
Bohemians vs Sligo Rovers (Friday)
Bohemians will look to keep their title hopes alive when they welcome Sligo Rovers to Dalymount Park. The hosts sit second in the League of Ireland table, nine points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, whom they beat 2-0 in a recent derby. Meanwhile, Sligo find themselves in a precarious position near the foot of the standings, despite a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Galway United earlier in the week.
Suggested bet: Bohemians to win
Value bet: Bohemians to win half-time/full-time
Cork City vs St Patrick’s Athletic (Friday)
Cork City and St Patrick’s Athletic meet in a clash of contrasting ambitions at Turner’s Cross. The home side are desperate to steer clear of the relegation scrap, while the visitors are pushing for a European place. Cork will be aiming to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in nearly two months, whereas St Pat’s are desperate to halt a poor run of three straight defeats.
Suggested bet: Over 2.5 goals
Value bet: St Patrick’s Athletic to win and over 2.5 goals
Rosenborg vs Viking (Saturday)
It’s a top-of-the-table battle in Norway as Viking FK travel to Trondheim to face Rosenborg in the Eliteserien. Viking are setting the pace with 32 points from 13 matches and are currently enjoying a superb nine-game winning run across all competitions. Rosenborg, sitting 11 points behind in third but with a game in hand, will need to rediscover their form quickly if they hope to stay in the title race.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score
Value bet: Draw
Hammarby vs Halmstads (Saturday)
Hammarby will look to continue their strong Allsvenskan campaign when they host struggling Halmstad at the 3Arena in Stockholm on Saturday. Sitting second with 27 points from 12 games, the home side have been one of the standout teams this season. In contrast, Halmstad have found it tough going, languishing in 12th place with just 13 points. With momentum on their side, Hammarby will be confident of securing all three points.
Suggested bet: Hammarby to win
Value bet: Hammarby to win on the handicap
New England Revolution vs Colorado Rapids (Saturday)
Colorado Rapids will look to build on their recent win when they take on New England Revolution in an inter-conference MLS clash on Saturday. Currently ninth in the Western Conference, the Rapids are hoping to find consistency as they push for a playoff spot. New England, sitting 11th in the East, are desperate to stop the rot after back-to-back losses and will be searching for a response on the road.
Suggested bet: Colorado Rapids to win
Value bet: Colorado Rapids to win and over 2.5 goals
Los Angeles FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps (Sunday)
Major League Soccer action concludes this weekend with Los Angeles FC hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps at BMO Stadium on Sunday. Both clubs harbour title hopes, but recent performances in front of goal have been underwhelming. With limited recovery time following the international break, tired legs could lead to a cagey affair rather than the fireworks fans might expect.
Suggested bet: Under 2.5 goals
Value bet: Draw
San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy (Sunday)
San Jose Earthquakes welcome Los Angeles Galaxy to PayPal Park on Sunday in a clash between two sides experiencing very different seasons. Galaxy find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Western Conference with only eight points from 19 outings, while San Jose are riding high in the top five following a confidence-boosting victory in their previous game.
Suggested bet: San Jose Earthquakes to win
Value bet: San Jose Earthquakes to win to nil