European football is heating up! This weekend, 23-24 August, marks the start of the new season in Serie A and the Bundesliga. We’ve analyzed stats, form, and trends to bring you the best football betting tips for the weekend, covering top leagues across Europe.
Manchester City vs Tottenham
Despite being clear favorites, Manchester City could face legitimate challenges. The London side has a strong track record of holding their own at City’s ground. Notably, Tottenham’s attack has been highly effective, scoring 12 goals in their last four matches in Manchester. Even more telling is the overall outcome of the Londoners’ efforts. In their last two visits to the Etihad, Pep Guardiola’s side managed just one point.
Moreover, the conditions are ripe for a high-scoring game. Both teams crushed their opponents in the opening round and looked sharp in attack. It’s also worth noting both sides’ impressive scoring records from the previous season. City averaged 1.9 goals per game, while Tottenham averaged 1.7. The average goals in City’s home games and Tottenham’s away matches were 3.5 and 3.1, respectively.
In the last six head-to-head Premier League games at Manchester City, the teams have scored at least three goals. Given this, a high-scoring draw with goals from both sides seems likely.
Betting Tip: Manchester City Double Chance (1X) + Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.68
Bournemouth vs Wolves
Wolves had a poor pre-season and are in a crisis, with a shaky defense and a weak attack. Wolverhampton has little hope of a positive result, especially away at Bournemouth.
The Cherries, despite losing key players in the transfer window, put in an impressive performance at Anfield, showcasing excellent finishing and pace against the reigning English champions. However, they let a draw slip away late and struggled defensively.
This could be Wolves’ only chance to score, which they’re likely to take, but Bournemouth should comfortably outclass their opponents with strong attacking play and home support.
Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.65
St. Pauli vs Borussia Dortmund
St. Pauli starts the season with issues: in their second year in the top flight, Alexander Blessin’s side faces squad losses and attacking problems. The departure of key forwards, alongside injuries to Irvine and new signing Jones, has limited their options. In their cup match against Norderstedt, only a penalty shootout saved them from embarrassment, highlighting their lack of readiness for a side like Borussia.
Dortmund also had a tough start, scraping a win against Essen in the German Cup, with several players sidelined by injuries. However, their core remains intact, and their record of ten consecutive opening-round wins in the Bundesliga is impressive. Their attack, led by Guirassy, Brandt, and Adeyemi, remains one of the league’s most potent.
Head-to-head stats confirm Dortmund’s dominance, with 11 wins in their last 12 games against St. Pauli. Given the hosts’ poor finishing and psychological pressure, an upset seems unlikely—Dortmund should win convincingly.
Betting Tip: Borussia Dortmund to Win at odds of 1.77
Roma vs Bologna
Roma, by appointing a prominent figure like Gianpiero Gasperini to the managerial position, has embarked on a process of significant changes. The demanding and intense football style of the new coach requires relentless dedication—conditions not suited for everyone. The Italian joined the team early in the summer and managed to conduct a full pre-season preparation, during which the hosts secured four victories without conceding a single goal, but then suffered a heavy defeat to Aston Villa (0:4).
Bologna, having lost some of their key players, is reluctant to spend heavily and has opted for more budget-friendly options. As a result, the team welcomed Vitik, Casale, and Heggem, while Immobile and Bernardeschi joined on free transfers. Given the questionable quality of their pre-season, where the Rossoblu conceded heavily against a Serie C side and Greek mid-table club OFI, it’s unclear what to expect from the visitors.
Both projects currently appear uncertain and unpolished, but considering the strong attacking potential of both clubs, an exciting, high-scoring match can be expected.
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 2.16
Fulham vs Manchester United
Manchester United failed to start the season with a positive result but avoided a collapse in their opening match. Against Arsenal, Ruben Amorim’s side looked solid and could have secured a draw—there’s reason for optimism as their new project takes shape. However, potential progress doesn’t replace results, which are still lacking. Facing a less prestigious opponent, United, as favorites, must secure three points.
Fulham, never a team to shy away from challenges, proved as much last week. They didn’t gain reinforcements but also avoided losses, keeping expectations steady.
However, the upcoming match is their first major test. Defensive issues and a tough head-to-head history will pose problems for the Cottagers. This match promises intrigue, with both teams eager to attack, but the favorites can’t afford another slip-up.
Betting Tip: Manchester United to Win at odds of 2.23
Lille vs Monaco
Lille lost several key players in the summer transfer window, including Jonathan David and Luca Chevalier, with Edon Zhegrova also potentially leaving and currently unable to contribute. In pre-season friendlies and their opening match against Brest, the Dogues showed poor defending but effective attacking play. Their right defensive flank is a major concern, with Santos and Meunier absent and Touré injured, forcing 17-year-old Adeagan Goffi, the fourth-choice option, into action.
Monaco, with a stronger starting lineup, faces challenges playing away and dealing with Lille’s response to their poor opening result. Historically, Monaco struggles in Lille, but their stable, cohesive squad gives them an edge. Monaco may not win at this traditionally tough away ground, but they could secure a draw.
As mentioned, Lille’s defense was porous against Brest, conceding three goals. Monaco, a stronger side than Brest, will likely apply even more pressure. However, I expect Lille to score as well. A bet on both teams scoring seems reasonable.
Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.89