Hi gang! There are some nice games this week in the Champions League and Europa League. I’ve also taken a look at Friday’s Premier League game, especially since Leicester are doing so well. You can bet on all the action here.
Atletico Madrid 2 v 0 Bayer Leverkusen – Tuesday 22 October – Champions League – Atletico Win
I have to be honest – I’ve been disappointed by Atletico so far this season. Diego Simeone has made some major changes to his squad but sadly his approach isn’t yielding the results he wants. However, Los Rojiblancos are still defensively solid and have won six of their last seven home games in the Champions League. Leverkusen have lost their two opening games in the group stage and were handed a 3-0 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday. I’m going for a Home Win since I think that Atletico can keep another clean sheet.
Ajax 2 v 2 Chelsea – Wednesday 23 October – Champions League – Both Teams to Score
These teams’ form points to goals. Chelsea have scored and conceded in all of their five away games this season, as well as in the UEFA Super Cup. They struggled to break down Newcastle on Saturday but eventually found the breakthrough, while Callum Hudson-Odoi has returned to the team and has made an immediate impact with assists in his last three games. Five of Ajax’s last seven home games in the Champions League have seen Both Team to Score as a winning bet. The Dutch side have also won nine of their last ten games, and I think they will end Chelsea’s winning run.
Salzburg 1 v 2 Napoli – Wednesday 23 October – Champions League – Over 2.5 Goals
I’m expecting an exciting game. Salzburg gave Liverpool an almighty scare in their last European game when they fought back from 3-0 to draw level, only to lose 4-3. They are a hard team to stop on home turf, where their last six games have featured Over 2.5 Goals. I’m looking forward to watching Zambian duo Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka, as well as teenage star Erling Haland. They’ll be up against Napoli, who beat Hellas Verona 2-0 on Sunday. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are unbeaten so far in the group stage and I think their experience will count for a lot here. I’m backing an Away Win.
Porto 2 v 1 Rangers – Thursday 24 October – Europa League – Porto Win
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side have been highly impressive this season, and early signs show that they will challenge Celtic for the Scottish title. However, it’s an entirely different story in Europe. They lost their opening away game in the group stage at Young Boys, while they’ve only won two of their last ten away games in the competition. Porto find themselves in unfamiliar territory, having been regulars in the Champions League over the years, and they’re a bit overqualified for this part of the tournament! They’ve won five home games in a row and I expect them to take all three points here.
Southampton 1 v 2 Leicester – Friday 25 October – Premier League – Leicester Win
I always enjoy a Premier League game on a Friday night! Leicester have held onto their place in the top four after they came from behind to beat Burnley 2-1 last Saturday. Their recent away form has been poor, but those results have come away to Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. They’ve actually won their last two games at St. Mary’s stadium, where Southampton have not won since April. The Saints have lost three of their last five home league games and, even though they scraped a draw against Wolves last weekend, I think they will lose again.