There are big games this weekend in England and Italy, with the FA Cup semi-finals looking especially appealing. I got four out of five tips in midweek, and I’m excited for these games. If you like these tips, you can bet on them here.
Manchester United v Chelsea – Sunday 19 July – FA Cup semi-finals
Manchester United and Chelsea have already met in the EFL Cup this season and now face one another in the FA semi-finals. These sides are also locked in a battle to finish in the Premier League top four, but this is an opportunity to claim some actual silverware.
Chelsea have already eliminated Liverpool and Leicester from the competition. However, they have lost two of their last three games away from Stamford Bridge and were run close by Crystal Palace in the other.
The Blues haven’t beaten United since the 2018 final, losing four of their last five meetings with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. I think Double Chance 1X at odds of 1.35 would be a sensible bet here.
Arsenal v Manchester City – Saturday 18 July – FA Cup semi-finals
The other of the FA Cup semi-finals sees Mikel Arteta face his old mentor Pep Guardiola at Wembley. Arsenal come into the game having just beaten Premier League champions Liverpool for the first time since 2015, which follows a disappointing defeat to Tottenham.
However, City have beaten Arsenal seven times in a row, and have scored three goals in six of those games. Even though the Gunners had that morale boost on Wednesday, I expect Guardiola’s side to be much better than Liverpool were. My bet is a City Win and Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.55.
Hellas Verona v Atalanta – Saturday 18 July – Serie A
Atalanta have scored 93 league goals this season, including six in Tuesday’s win over Brescia. However, their defence is the worst amongst the teams currently in the Serie A top four.
Hellas Verona are no strangers to a high-scoring game, either. Eight of their last ten home league games have involved Over 2.5 Goals, which I think will happen this time (odds 1.40).
Bournemouth v Southampton – Sunday 19 July – Premier League
Bournemouth know that defeat here would make relegation all but certain. Their win last weekend over Leicester has given them hope, though. I should also mention that they created plenty of chances in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday.
Southampton, though, are unbeaten in their last four away games following their 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Monday night. Both Teams to Score has been a winning bet in four of the last five clashes between these south-coast sides. I’m going to back it this time at odds of 1.50.
AS Roma v Inter Milan – Sunday 19 July – Serie A
Victory for Inter would secure a place in the Champions League this season. They haven’t lost any of their last five games against Roma, but the hosts have won three games in a row.
Both teams have found the net in eight of the last ten games between these teams, so I’m backing Both Teams to Score (1.65).
*Odds subject to change.