This week is a goldmine of betting opportunities across continents and sports. In the world of football, the intensity is about to explode as both the Copa America and Euro 2024 reach their thrilling semi-final stages over the next seven days. We’ll analyse three of the match-ups and help you place some exciting bets.
On the green side of things, the John Deere Classic and the BMW International Open are about to hit the course. We identify the frontrunners with a shot at glory, and some other exciting markets for you to explore.
Australia’s NRL also has some crucial matches in week 18. We’ll bring you expert analysis to help you identify the best punting prospects from this week’s fixtures.
And for those who crave combat, we’ve got something for you too. Three electrifying boxing matches are set to rock the ring this week, including Shakur Stevenson’s highly anticipated WBC lightweight title defence against Artem Harutyunyan. We’ll break down each fighter’s strengths and weaknesses to help you place your bets with confidence.
We have sourced the best odds from bookmaker William Hill to bring you this exclusive sports betting preview for next week.
Best Football Predictions This Week
The thrill of Euro 2024 intensifies as the dust settles on the round of 16, revealing a mouth-watering set of quarter-final clashes. We’ll discuss two of these key fixtures in detail. Then we shift our attention Stateside, where the Copa America throws up a fascinating encounter – champions Argentina face off against a determined Ecuador in their quarter-final showdown.
Portugal vs France – Under 1.5 Goals to Be Scored @ 2.50
The Euro 2024 knockout stages truly ignite this Friday evening as Iberian rivals Portugal lock horns with France in a brilliant quarter-final showdown. A win in this intense battle will see one of these two booking their place in a heavyweight semi-final clash against either Spain or Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo could not hold his tears after missing a penalty against Slovenia in the last match. The Portugal captain, however, made amends in the penalty shootouts as he converted from the spot. Diogo Costa emerged as the biggest hero of the night after keeping out all three of the Slovenian penalty kicks to hand his team a remarkable 3-0 shootout victory.
Earlier that day, Les Bleus also found themselves entangled in a late drama. They managed to scrape past Belgium in normal time thanks to a fortuitous deflection off Jan Vertonghen after Randal Kolo Muani’s effort. While it wasn’t the most convincing performance from the French side, it proved enough to break Belgian hearts and secure their place in the quarter-finals.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
This isn’t the first time these European heavyweights have crossed paths at the Euros. In 2020, they battled to a draw in the group stage, while Portugal emerged victorious in the 2016 final held on French soil. While neither side has quite hit their peak yet at Euro 2024, the history between them promises a fiercely contested encounter.
France have struggled in front of the opposition goal in this tournament. The two-time European champions have scored only three goals so far; two of them were own goals and the other was a penalty scored by Mbappe.
Portugal have not been too sharp lately, either. The Selecao scored five goals in their first two matches, but have failed to find the back of the net in their last two.
Since this will be a high-stakes match, we expect both teams to adopt a more pragmatic approach. With that in mind, we are drawn to the under 1.5 goals market, currently offered at odds of 2.50 with bookmaker William Hill.
Germany and Spain to Draw @ 3.10
Spain and Germany will go head-to-head in a seismic showdown on Friday for a spot in the last Euro 2024 semi-finals.
The two teams share one of the most heated rivalries in football and have produced some of the most memorable matches in international competitions. La Roja enjoyed two of the most significant wins in their history against the Germans; the first came in the Euro 2008 final and the next followed two years later in the World Cup 2010 semi-finals.
Germany and Spain have been two of the most exciting teams to watch in the Euros this year. The hosts have scored 10 goals in four outings so far, while Luis de la Fuente’s men have hit the target nine times.
However, one of their dominant runs must come to an end as the two sides are set to lock horns in a do-or-die affair.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Spain enter this clash as slight favourites, with bookmaker William Hill offering odds of 2.70 for a Spanish victory. Germany’s win is priced at 2.80, while a tense draw after 90 minutes is also available at 3.10.
With their recent World Cup woes fresh in their minds, Germany are on a mission for redemption at Euro 2024. Crashing out of the group stages in the last two editions of the World Cup has left a scar, and their last Euros campaign ended prematurely in the round of 16. While Ilkay Gundogan and his teammates have already surpassed their previous Euros showing, they will be hungry for more.
Three of the last four matches between these two teams have ended in one-all draws. We expect the match to be a bit cagier this time around, but the first 90 minutes should end in a draw.
Lionel Messi to Score Anytime @ 2.25
Lionel Messi will be back in action for Argentina as La Albiceleste continue their Copa America defence with a quarterfinal clash with Ecuador on Thursday. After cruising through the group stages, will Argentina face a sterner test at the NRG Stadium in Texas?
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina marched through the opening phase of the Copa America in imperious fashion. Their record speaks for itself: three convincing victories and a resolute defense that kept a clean sheet throughout.
Argentina are on a roll, boasting an eight-match winning streak across all competitions. Even more impressive, their defense has been watertight, conceding a mere two goals during this dominant run.
Despite weathering a Mexican storm in their previous clash, Ecuador dug deep and secured a dramatic knockout stage berth on goal difference. This marks a historic moment for La Tri – it’s their second consecutive Copa America quarter-final appearance, and their third in four tournaments.
However, their path to glory is far from smooth. Coach Felix Sanchez seeks to break a 31-year curse as Ecuador haven’t reached the Copa America semi-finals since 1993. Can they overcome their historical hurdle and make a statement against the mighty Argentina?
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
History heavily favours Argentina. They boast an undefeated record against Ecuador in the Copa America, including a commanding 3-0 victory in their 2021 quarter-final clash. Additionally, Argentina’s World Cup holder status and four consecutive Copa America semi-final appearances paint a picture of dominance.
Lionel Messi has a remarkable record against Ecuador, boasting a combined seven goals and three assists in their ten previous meetings across all tournaments. He’ll be itching to add to that tally when Argentina takes on La Tri.
Given Messi’s historical success against Ecuador, bookmaker William Hill’s odds of 2.25 for him to score anytime could be an interesting proposition for viewers keeping an eye on the market.
Best Golf Predictions This Week
Two prestigious tournaments tee off this week – the John Deere Classic and the BMW International Open. Both run from July 7th to 10th, offering a double dose of golfing action. While following both might be a tall order, there’s no need to sacrifice betting on one for the other. Our expert picks come with recommendations for both tournaments.
Thriston Lawrence to Win BMW International Open @ 29.00
All eyes will be on Thriston Lawrence this week as he looks to defend his John Deere Classic crown. While there’s no denying the pressure of title defence, Lawrence shouldn’t be underestimated. After his stellar performance last year, he has the potential to mount another strong challenge and light up the leaderboard once again.
Thriston Lawrence has been knocking on the door of victory recently. He’s come agonisingly close to adding a fifth title to his trophy cabinet, finishing runner-up at the Dubai Invitational, Jonsson Workwear Open, and European Open. Notably, his recent form in Germany is red-hot – two podium finishes in his last two visits bode well for his chances of another triumphant BMW International Open campaign.
While the Golfclub München Eichenried course doesn’t demand mammoth drives, precise iron play is key to setting up birdie opportunities. Luckily, that’s where Thriston Lawrence shines.
He’s currently the Tour’s second-best putter, a skill that could prove invaluable on these greens. Look for Lawrence to be laser-focused with his irons and deadly on the putting surface – a recipe for success this week.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Lawrence comes fifth in the list of favourites, as per the latest bookmaker William Hill odds. Punters are backing Ryan Fox and Patrick Reed at the BMW International Open, but both raise doubts.
Fox, focused on the PGA Tour, hasn’t impressed with just a few top-fives and a single seventh-place finish. Meanwhile, Reed, chasing ranking points after joining LIV, managed a mediocre 29th in the Italian Open. Neither are inspiring choices despite topping the betting charts.
We’re, therefore, backing Thriston Lawrence for somewhat of an upset title defence at 29.00. His consistent striking and the defending champion’s glow from last year could propel him to another strong showing at the BMW International Open.
J.T. Poston to Win John Deere Classic 2024 @ 26.00
Sharp wedges and a deadly putter: J.T. Poston is plotting on capitalising on this winning formula as he returns to the John Deere Classic. The 2022 champion thrives on shorter courses that allow him to showcase his exquisite touch around the greens. His status as one of the Tour’s best putters on bentgrass further elevates his threat on these softer layouts.
After securing consecutive top-six finishes at TPC Deere Run, we are backing J.T. Poston for another strong showing in the Quad Cities.
Why did we choose the 31-year-old over the favourites? Besides the favourable conditions at the TPC Deere Run for a J.T. Poston triumph, the tournament’s recent history has also influenced our pick by some degree.
In recent years, favourites have struggled in the John Deere Classic. Big names like Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau have lifted the trophy, but the last five years tell a different story.
Michael Kim, Dylan Frittelli, Lucas Glover, J.T. Poston and Sepp Straka all defied incredible odds to become John Deere Classic champions. Each of them were priced at 50.00, or even higher.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Pre-tournament favourite Patrick Cantlay’s withdrawal due to injury throws the John Deere Classic betting race wide open. While Sungjae Im has ascended to the top of the board, neither he nor Straka, the defending champion, or Spieth strike us as the most attractive value bet for this competition.
We’ve opted for a player offering a middle ground in J.T. Poston. While not a longshot, his odds of 26.00 with William Hill present a good value proposition. The course perfectly complements his skillset, making him a contender with a genuine chance of lifting the trophy.
Best Boxing Predictions This Week
Shakur Stevenson is poised to become a free agent following his final Top Rank fight against Artem Harutyunyan on July 6th. On the undercard, O’Shaquie Foster will face Robson Conceicao. Additionally, William Zepeda will square off against Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round headliner on the same date. Here are the top betting picks for these three fights.
Cabrera to Beat Zepeda @ 7.50
In a non-title fight topping the Golden Boy event, invincible number one contender William Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) goes toe-to-toe with WBA No. 10 and WBO No. 9 ranked Giovanni Cabrera (22-1, 7 KOs). This main event is slated for the full 12 rounds, promising a thrilling conclusion to the evening at the Toyota Centre in Ontario, California.
Zepeda holds a remarkable distinction – he’s the undisputed number one contender across all four major boxing organisations. This unprecedented feat makes him the sole challenger with a guaranteed shot at any of the current champions, should he overcome Cabrera.
Assuming Zepeda beats Cabrera, all signs point towards a title clash. Shakur Stevenson, also in action this week, could be his most likely opponent.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The bookies are firmly behind Zepeda in this clash. Bookmaker William Hill has him priced at a steal of 1.08 for victory, while Cabrera’s upset win is a long shot at 7.50.
Zepeda’s relentless assault is nightmarish for opponents. He throws punches in bunches, relentlessly wearing them down until they’re on the brink of exhaustion. Look no further than his March fight against Maxi Hughes for a prime example.
Right from the opening bell, Zepeda turned the screws on Hughes. His persistent pressure saw Hughes sporting a blooming shiner by round three of their scheduled 12. Even when Hughes attempted to block, Zepeda’s punches still found their mark, chipping away at his opponent’s resolve.
William Cabrera is an underdog in this fight, but he is also a fierce puncher who can make things difficult for Zepeda. The Mexican will expect to leave the ring with the bragging rights. However, a sudden Cabrera onslaught could catch him by surprise and hand him his first professional defeat.
Stevenson to Beat Harutyunyan by Decision @ 1.80
Shakur Stevenson steps into the ring this Saturday night to make the first defence of his WBC lightweight title against Artem Harutyunyan at the Prudential Center in Newark.
The heat is on for Shakur Stevenson this weekend. Despite a recent loss, Harutyunyan has an unexpected crack at the WBC lightweight title. Stevenson has talked the talk, claiming his place among the elite, but now it’s time to walk the walk and prove his mettle with a dominant win.
After a lacklustre showing last time out, a simple win won’t be enough for the New Jersey crowd. He needs to deliver fireworks to rekindle the excitement. The focus on flair could open windows of opportunity for Harutyunyan to snatch a surprise win.
Ring rust could be a factor for Harutyunyan. It’s been nearly a year since his last fight, and while his record boasts a respectable 13-1 with seven knockouts, he lacks the star power some might desire. Over the years, he’s collected various international titles, but never quite reached the pinnacle of the undisputed championship.
This match-up is a dance between finesse and force. Stevenson, the southpaw stylist with dazzling footwork and an impenetrable defense, is a master of evasion. Harutyunyan, a ferocious fighter with knockout power, will look to unleash a storm of punches, hoping to crack Stevenson’s defences and emerge victorious through sheer force.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
We predict Shakur Stevenson to win this fight. The American southpaw boasts a clear edge in technical skill compared to his Armenian opponent. After a challenging year, expect Stevenson to be extra motivated to deliver a strong performance in front of his home crowd in Newark.
That said, we don’t see Stevenson knocking out Harutyunyan in this fight. The Armenian has never been knocked out in his career and five of Stevenson’s last seven victories have come through judges. While the return is modest, we believe backing Stevenson to win via decision at 1.80 is a wise choice.
Conceição to Beat Foster @ 3.25
O’Shaquie Foster, the WBC Junior Lightweight Champion from Orange, Texas, is set for his third title defence this Saturday, July 6th, against Robson Conceição.
Foster’s last outing was in February when he emerged victorious over Abraham Nova in a close split decision.
In October, during his first title defence, Foster came from behind to halt Eduardo Hernandez with just 22 seconds remaining in the fight, having been behind on two of the judges’ scorecards.
This win followed his comfortable unanimous decision victory over Rey Vargas eight months prior, which secured him the vacant belt.
Conceição’s most recent fight was in April, where he halted José Ortiz in the seventh round. The 35-year-old is best known for his drawn encounter with Emanuel Navarrete last November.
In 2022, he suffered a defeat to Shakur Stevenson, dropping a unanimous decision over twelve rounds in a contest for the vacant WBC and WBO Super Featherweight titles. It’s worth noting that the Brazilian also secured a gold medal for his country at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Foster enters this fight with the shortest odds, according to bookmaker William Hill. However, Conceição cannot be written off as a clear underdog, given his respectable odds of 3.25.
Foster, famed for his slick boxing style, showcased remarkable grit in his win against Hernandez last year. However, his victory came precariously close to a title loss based on the scorecards. This surprised many fans, who witnessed Foster struggle considerably against his opponent’s raw power. Fortunately, Foster’s chin weathered the storm.
For Conceição, this could be his final opportunity at a world title. He’s come close in the past, but hasn’t been able to cross the finishing line. This fight is too close to call, but Conceição’s speed and skillset could match Foster’s. If he can capitalise on his strengths, the Brazilian might cause a minor upset and finally have the belt around his waist.
Best Rugby League Predictions This Week
We will wrap up our weekly preview with two NRL predictions for week 18. The first one involves a re-match of the 2023 NRL Grand Final, while the last one will feature a mid-table battle between two finals series hopefuls.
Panthers to Win Both Halves @ 2.05
The 2023 Grand Final re-match is upon us, with both the Panthers and Broncos eager to redeem themselves after suffering defeats in round 17. Both Kevin Walters and Ivan Cleary came under fire for their decision to rest key players during the Origin period, leaving their sides short-handed for crucial matches.
Brisbane’s form has slumped dramatically. They’ve suffered narrow defeats to the Titans (by two points) and the Sharks (by 10 points), but also more devastating losses to the Rabbitohs and most recently the Warriors (by a hefty 16 points). This poor run has seen them tumble out of the top eight, with their points differential steadily worsening.
Penrith, meanwhile, will be aiming to get back to winning ways after a disappointing 10-point home defeat to the North Queensland Cowboys.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Despite the recent setback, the Panthers are still in the race to finish the regular season atop the standings. They’re just four points adrift of the top spot, and a convincing victory over the Broncos could see them temporarily bridge the gap.
Panthers have not tasted defeat at the Suncorp Stadium against the Brisbaners since 2019. Their dominance in this fixture, coupled with Brisbane’s recent slump, suggests a potential Panthers victory in both halves. Bookmaker William Hill is offering odds of 2.05 for this outcome.
Cowboys to Win By 13+ Points @ 3.50
The North Queensland Cowboys are setting their sights on a top-four finish as they clash with the Sea Eagles at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night. The Cowboys are in red-hot form, having won five of their last six games. This impressive run has propelled them into the top eight, and they now flaunt a healthy points differential.
On the contrary, Manly’s inconsistency continued to plague them as they were comprehensively shut out 14-0 by the South Sydney Rabbitohs last time out. This marked their first scoreless outing of the season, a disappointing result coming against a Rabbitohs side currently languishing in 14th place.
Traditionally, home advantage plays a significant role in such matches. However, that’s not the case here – the away team has emerged victorious in seven of the last eight encounters between these two sides. While that should make Manly fans feel a bit relaxed ahead of this tie, we don’t think that trend will hold this time around.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Given the contrasting form of these two sides, it’s hard to look past a dominant victory for Todd Payten’s Cowboys on Saturday. Bookmaker William Hill is offering attractive odds of 3.50 for a Cowboys win by a margin of 13 points or more.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
Another weekend is upon us, and that means top-notch telly and a chance to show off your sporting knowledge, and of course, the chance to win a few quid. Here are our insider tips for a super sports betting week ahead:
- Portugal vs France – under 1.5 goals to be scored @ 2.50
- Germany and Spain to draw @ 3.10
- Lionel Messi to score anytime @ 2.25
- Thriston Lawrence to win BMW International Open @ 29.00
- J.T. Poston to win John Deere Classic 2024 @ 26.00
- Cabrera to beat Zepeda @ 7.50
- Stevenson to beat Harutyunyan By Decision @ 1.80
- Conceicao to beat Foster @ 3.25
- Panthers to win both halves @ 2.05
- Cowboys to win by 13+ points @ 3.50
From top-flight football to high-octane boxing, there is easy money to be made all around the sporting world this week. Identify the bets you want to make and maximise your earning potential with our in-depth breakdowns.
