Top football leagues are back in action! Form, stats, and hidden trends – we’ve dissected every detail to bring you the best betting tips for this weekend, 16-17 August.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Aston Villa narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot to Newcastle last season and now kicks off the Premier League campaign against the Magpies. The Villans had a quiet summer, maintaining squad quality while adding some depth, though major deals could still happen before the transfer window closes. There are few concerns ahead of the opening match, mainly around defensive solidity. Nevertheless, Villa are favourites and have a strong record at Villa Park against Newcastle.
The Magpies are navigating a turbulent pre-season. The saga surrounding Alexander Isak’s future continues, with the club struggling to sign high-calibre players to bolster the squad, and the Swedish striker missing training sessions. To top it off, Newcastle failed to win any of their friendly matches and showed alarming defensive frailties.
Given the current form of the Magpies, Aston Villa have a stronger chance of securing the win.
Betting Tip: Aston Villa Handicap (0) at odds of 1.72
Stuttgart vs Bayern Munich
Under Sebastian Hoeneß, Stuttgart play vibrant, attacking football, which led to cup success. They scored 18 goals in six German Cup playoff matches, showcasing their offensive prowess. However, their defence raises concerns, often leaking goals against top-tier sides.
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich are, as always, geared towards attacking football, especially against teams that don’t sit deep. The Recordmeister’s boss tested young talents in pre-season, focusing on high pressing and rapid attacks. With Harry Kane and new signing Luis Díaz in their ranks, Bayern have the firepower to score multiple times.
Given both teams’ attacking styles, head-to-head history, and current form, this Super Cup clash promises excitement.
Betting Tip: Over 3 Goals at odds of 1.69
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League last season but clinched the UEFA Conference League title. Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues competed in the Club World Championship, delivering standout performances and thrashing PSG 3:0 in the final. They followed this with two friendly wins, beating Bayer Leverkusen 2:0 and AC Milan 4:1.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, ended the Premier League season in 12th place but caused a major upset by winning the FA Cup, earning a spot in the Community Shield, where they defeated Liverpool on penalties. During pre-season, Oliver Glasner’s side played six friendlies, suffering two defeats.
Last season, Palace took points off Chelsea in both meetings, ending a long run of head-to-head losses. However, an easy stroll at Stamford Bridge isn’t on the cards for the hosts. Still, Chelsea’s current form makes a home loss unlikely to kick off the season.
Betting Tip: Chelsea Double Chance (1X) + Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.94
Manchester United vs Arsenal
Manchester United splashed out heavily in the transfer market this summer, spending €220 million on Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. It remains to be seen how Rúben Amorim integrates these new signings into the team and copes without Marcus Rashford. United’s pre-season results were decent against strong opposition.
Arsenal, meanwhile, retained their key players and added Martín Zubimendi, Viktor Gyökeres, and Noni Madueke, all of whom will vie for starting spots. Based on last season’s performances and current form, the Gunners are likely favourites in this matchup, though pinpointing a clear favourite in such high-stakes games is tricky.
Predicting the outcome of this blockbuster Premier League clash is challenging, given both teams’ significant squad changes and United’s unpredictable nature in recent years. We expect both sides to deliver goals in an entertaining, high-scoring affair.
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.87
Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla
Athletic Bilbao qualified for the Champions League and had an intense pre-season, though results were underwhelming, with six losses in seven matches. They face injury concerns, with Unai Gómez and Oihan Sancet sidelined and Yeray Álvarez suspended. However, the Basques are strong at home, boasting six wins and only two losses (to Barcelona and Manchester United) in their last ten home games. Retaining key attacking weapon Nico Williams is a major boost.
Sevilla, on the other hand, changed managers again and had a lacklustre transfer window, merely patching up squad gaps rather than strengthening. Joan Jordán (returning from Alavés), Rubén Vargas, and Tanguy Nianzou are injured, and seven players remain unregistered.
Sevilla’s new coach will rely on a squad that narrowly avoided relegation last season and was further weakened by departures. We predict Athletic Bilbao will claim the victory.
Betting Tip: Athletic Bilbao to Win at odds of 1.61