As the summer sun blazes on, the sporting world prepares for another action-packed week from July 18 to July 24. The Olympic flames are set to ignite shortly, but that’s not the only offering on the menu.
After bidding farewell to the legendary James Anderson in their last Test, England will look to wrap up the series with another victory against the West Indies. On top of that, the UFC will be back with a gruelling set of fights, the NRL will continue its late round adventures, and golfers will finish their pre-Olympic preparations with some last-minute tournaments.
There’s something for every sports aficionado to savour over the coming days. But it’s not just about the spectacle; we’ll also be providing our top betting tips to help you make the most of the week’s sporting bonanza. Bookmaker Pinnacle has some exciting deals for you this week, and we have cherry picked the finest for you.
So, buckle up and get ready to dive into a week where the stakes are high and the rewards even higher.
Best Cricket Predictions This Week
England and West Indies will reconvene for the second Test on July 18. Vitality T20 also enters its final weeks with some mouthwatering clashes. Take a look at some of the cricket betting options available this week.
England and West Indies to Draw @ 10.740
Following a comprehensive victory at Lord’s, England will be looking to secure the series win when they take on the West Indies in the second Test at Trent Bridge, starting this Thursday. The tourists, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back and level the three-match contest before heading to Edgbaston for the final Test, scheduled from July 26th to 30th.
England’s seam duo James Anderson and Gus Atkinson stole the headlines in the Lords Test. It marked a changing of the guard for the English bowling attack.
Anderson, the most successful Test seamer of all time, brought his illustrious career to a close on a high. Meanwhile, Atkinson, making his red-ball debut for England, delivered a performance worthy of the Player of the Match award.
England will be hoping to replicate their Lord’s dominance at Trent Bridge in the second Test. However, their record at the ground isn’t the most inspiring, having only secured two victories in their last six Tests there. Notably, they’ve only managed one win against the West Indies in their last nine encounters at Trent Bridge, albeit a convincing nine-wicket triumph back in 2012.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
While the West Indies showed flashes of brilliance in the first Test, particularly with their bowling attack – Jayden Seales impressing on debut with four wickets and Mikyle Louis producing a magnificent run-out of Shoaib Bashir for a duck – England drew the line between the two sides with a far superior batting display.
Head coach Andre Coley will be looking for a response from his young side after the heavy defeat at Lord’s. Trent Bridge has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for the West Indies against England, and Coley will be hoping they can rediscover that form.
He’s also urged his players to draw on the resilience they displayed earlier this year in the two-Test series against Australia. That series saw them pull off a remarkable eight-run victory at The Gabba to level the series after a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the first Test.
Bookmaker Pinnacle has priced a draw at 10.74. It’s a high-risk option, but we fancy the West Indies’ chances of holding England to a stalemate at Trent Bridge.
Worcester to Beat Derbyshire @ 2.130
Worcestershire Rapids’ struggles this season have been severe. They’ve only managed a win rate of 30.77% (4 wins from 13) and sit at the bottom of the table with a mere eight points. Their net run rate of -0.203 further highlights their shortcomings, effectively ending their qualification hopes for the next round.
Derbyshire Falcons haven’t enjoyed the strongest season either. Currently languishing in seventh place with 11 points, their hopes of reaching the top four are slim. However, with two games remaining, victories in both with convincing margins could just keep their dream alive.
New Road has a well-earned reputation as a batsman’s paradise. The pitch offers a consistent bounce and good pace, which allows batsmen to play their shots freely. The short boundaries add to the challenge for bowlers, who can struggle to find their rhythm early on.
In these conditions, any bowler who fails to find their line and length quickly will leak runs. Historically, teams batting second at New Road have enjoyed a significant advantage, further underlining its reputation as a venue where batsmen can flourish.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The conditions at New Road will help Worcester compensate for their bowling woes. The Rapids bowlers have struggled to trouble opposition batters all season. In a batting friendly environment, however, Adam Hose and company can hope to stun their opponents with a strong batting performance.
Worcestershire will be desperate to end their season on a high. They’ve shown signs of revival lately, snatching two wins from their last three games.
While their surge has come a touch late, they have a chance to spoil Derbyshire’s party, who must win to keep their own flickering hopes alive. Expect Worcestershire to come out firing on all cylinders and potentially claim a morale-boosting victory. Bookmaker Pinnacle is offering odds of 2.130 for a home team win in this match-up.
Sussex to Beat Somerset @ 2.130
Somerset are set to face Sussex Sharks in a tantalising clash at Taunton on Thursday evening. While both sides are heavily favoured to secure a top-four finish and a place in the knockout stages, nothing is mathematically guaranteed.
This enticing encounter offers the teams the chance to not only solidify their positions but potentially dethrone table-toppers Surrey, who remain within reach. Given the abundance of T20 specialists in both Sussex and Somerset squads, this is set to be an enthralling encounter
Despite missing Will Smeed at the top of the order, Somerset cruised to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Hampshire Hawks in Southampton on Sunday. They wrapped up the win with 12 balls to spare, showing off the depth in their armoury.
Sussex Sharks, meanwhile, suffered a heartbreaking defeat in a high-scoring thriller against Essex Eagles in their last outing. The performance of their batters was encouraging regardless, as they scored 207 for the loss of only two wickets.
Daniel Hughes has been on fire throughout the tournament, and he continued that form with another quickfire knock. The Australian fell just short of a well-deserved century, dismissed stumped for 81 from a mere 43 balls. Tom Clark remained unbeaten at the other end, anchoring the innings with a valuable 72 from 53 deliveries.
Taunton’s hard and bouncy pitch promises a feast for the batsmen, with the ball sitting up nicely for clean hitting. Buoyed by their home crowd and back-to-back victories, Somerset will be brimming with confidence. However, their bowling attack faces a stern test against a Sussex batting line-up in red-hot form.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Odds from bookmaker Pinnacle shows that Somerset will enter the fray as the favourites. The home side are priced at a short 1.751 with Pinnacle, while Sussex are out at 2.130. This matchup looks like a recipe for another run feast, but we fancy Sussex to edge it out this time around.
Best Golf Predictions This Week
The 2024 Open Championship will see the return of the iconic tournament for its 152nd edition this week. A PGA Tour event is also on the calendar for this week, the Barracuda Championship, keeping the excitement going as the FedEx Cup Playoffs loom large. With a plethora of betting markets available from bookmakers like Pinnacle, these tournaments could be excellent opportunities for punters to bag some massive windfalls.
Taylor Pendrith to Win Barracuda Championship @ 23.410
Canadian tee-star Taylor Pendrith leads the field at the Barracuda Championship as the current world number 59. The 32-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season, securing his first PGA Tour victory earlier this year.
Pendrith’s season has been a revelation. He claimed his maiden PGA Tour title at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and, after a well-deserved break following a T-72 finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, bounced back with a commendable share of 16th at the prestigious U.S. Open. Given this impressive form, it’s surprising to see him not wearing the ‘favourite’ label in this weaker field.
Old Greenwood’s long layout seems tailor-made for his powerful game. Pendrith relishes courses where he can unleash his aggressive approach. With the modified Stableford format putting a premium on birdies and eagles, Pendrith is looking forward to a week where his attacking style can reap rewards.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
According to bookmaker Pinnacle, Pendrith comes into the tournament with the second shortest odds. Erik van Rooyen’s withdrawal throws the tournament wide open, with Keith Mitchell now leading the betting pack.
Undoubtedly a talented player underachieving at this level, Mitchell boasts a pedigree that suggests he should be challenging for bigger titles. However, his Achilles heel at present is a significant decline in his once-reliable putting stroke.
This opens the door for Pendrith to make a real charge. Altitude will be a significant factor as the course sits at a lofty 6,000 feet. Here, Pendrith’s powerful drives become even more of a weapon.
The thinner air reduces drag, making it easier for the ball to cover greater distances. This translates to shorter irons into greens, creating more birdie and eagle opportunities – a major advantage in this format.
Collin Morikawa to Win 2024 Open Championship @ 16.540
Royal Troon prepares to stage a historic 152nd Open Championship this week, the final major of the 2024 season. The hallowed links have witnessed countless champions, and this year promises another captivating chapter.
While the field boasts a wealth of potential victors, some names naturally carry more weight. The likes of Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Rory Mcllroy, with their proven track records and current form, would be a major surprise to miss out on the final day’s drama.
Our money is on Morikawa this week. His consistency across this stretch of the calendar is phenomenal. He has made six top-10 finishes in nine tournaments! Even at the majors, he hasn’t dipped below a respectable 14th place finish, achieved at the US Open. Morikawa looks like a man in form, and we fancy his chances of contending come Sunday.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
He carded a sizzling trio of 65, 66, and 66 before a solid final-round 69 left him just four shots shy of the winner. While there might be a touch of disappointment from missing out on the title, it’s clear that Morikawa is in top form.
After all, this is the same player who lifted the trophy here in 2021. We fully expect him to build on that recent form and challenge for glory once again this week.
The Californian boasts an elite combination of mercurial form and a proven track record on links courses. With Royal Troon demanding pinpoint accuracy on those notoriously tricky greens, there are few players we trust more than Morikawa to navigate the challenge and contend for a lofty finish.
Bookmaker Pinnacle has Scheffler favoured at 6.560, followed by McIlroy at 9.760 and Schauffele at 14.260. Morikawa sits at a tempting 16.450 for an outsider shot at the title.
Rory Mcllroy to Finish 2024 Open Championship Top 10 @ 2.020
Bookmaker Pinnacle places Rory McIlroy hot on the heels of reigning world number one, Scottie Scheffler in the 2024 Open Championship title race. McIlroy boasts a formidable trophy cabinet: a staggering 40 worldwide victories, including 26 on the prestigious PGA Tour. Notably, he’s conquered three legs of the coveted career Grand Slam, missing only the elusive green jacket at the Masters.
When McIlroy steps onto the tee box on Thursday, the west coast of Scotland will be the stage for a potential redemption story. He’ll be aiming to bounce back from a recent setback, one that undoubtedly left a mark on even his decorated career.
Last month’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 was a heartbreaker for McIlroy. It seemed like his golden opportunity to finally conquer another major and silence the doubters.
In a thrilling final round, he clawed his way back from a three-shot deficit, even holding a two-stroke lead with just five holes remaining. However, a cruel twist of fate saw him card bogeys on three of the last four holes, ultimately succumbing to Bryson DeChambeau by a single stroke.
The Open represents McIlroy’s last stand this season to break his near decade-long major championship drought. His last victory came in August 2014, securing a second Wanamaker Trophy at Valhalla Golf Club. Since then, a staggering 37 major tournaments have passed him by without a win.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
McIlroy’s season did not quite hit the heights we’ve come to expect from him. The U.S. Open disappointment might linger, but his talent remains undeniable. Let’s not forget, he’s a proven champion, and with his firepower on the course, a top-10 finish is a distinct possibility at Royal Troon. Bookmaker Pinnacle agrees, with odds of 2.020 for him to crack the top 10.
Best Athletics Predictions This Week
The men’s 100m sprint is always one of the most highly anticipated events in any Olympics, and the 2024 edition is no exception. Who will be crowned the fastest man on the planet this time? On whom should you place your bet to break the tape first? We say now is the time to get a bet in, with outright betting odds already available ahead of the Olympics starting next week.
Noah Lyles to Win the Men’s 100m Gold @ 3.150
While renowned for his dominance in the 200m, Noah Lyles has been quietly making waves in the 100m. This summer in Paris, he’ll be a serious contender to challenge for gold.
Lyles has been scorching the tracks in the 100m this year, bagging five wins from six races. The six time world champion dominated the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Oregon, peaking with a blistering 9.80 in the semis. And it’s not just the 100m – Lyles has racked up six wins from seven in the 60m, and a clean sweep of all four 200m events.
Lyles notched a personal and season-best time of 9.83 seconds to claim the 100m gold. Just days later, he shattered the US trials record in the 200m, showcasing his incredible versatility. Famed for his explosive closing speed, Lyles has a knack for clawing back ground in the final meters – a weapon that could be the difference in a nail-biting Olympic final.
With Lyles yet to hit full throttle in preparation for Paris, his competitors must be feeling the heat. The 26-year-old American faces a stiff challenge from Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville, but his recent dominance makes him the clear favorite for gold.
He’s no stranger to the pressure cooker of major championships, having bagged a bronze in the 200m at the last Olympics. His experience and ability to thrive under the spotlight will be invaluable when he lines up against the globe’s elite in Paris.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The Paris Olympics 100m final is shaping up to be a nail-biting two-horse race, according to bookmakers. Odds at Pinnacle have shifted dramatically, with reigning world champion Noah Lyles surprisingly becoming the underdog.
Previously the favourite for gold, Lyles now sits at 3.150, while Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson has surged to the top spot at 1.990. Regardless, we believe Lyle will win his first Olympic gold in the French capital.
Best MMA Prediction This Week
The Octagon makes a quick pit stop in Vegas this weekend before jetting off to Manchester! UFC APEX gears up for a jam-packed fight night featuring a pivotal strawweight clash as the main event.
Lemos to Beat Jandiroba @ 2.230
This Saturday’s UFC main event throws two Brazilian firecrackers, Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, into the Octagon for a fight with major strawweight title implications.
Lemos bounced back from her title shot defeat at UFC 292 last summer with a dominant display against Mackenzie Dern this year at UFC 298. She steamrolled the first two rounds and then held off Dern’s grappling onslaught in the third.
Now sitting at number three, the 37-year-old Brazilian thumper is on a mission: defend her ranking and rack up wins to earn another shot at strawweight gold.
Riding a three-fight win streak, Jandiroba finally throws her hat in the championship ring for the UFC. The ex-Invicta FC champ has been on a tear, smothering opponents like Angela Hill, Marina Rodriguez, and Loopy Godinez with her suffocating grappling. But don’t be fooled – she’s packing some serious knockout punches these days too.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Lemos is a powerful puncher, with incredible knockout prowess. That said, her lack of pace should hand Jandiroba an edge. This is reflected in the odds offered by bookmaker Pinnacle for this fight. Lemos is a 2.230 underdog, while her opponent holds the favourites’ tag at 1.704.
Jandiroba lacks the raw power of Lemos, so she will be banking on her grappling skills to force a win. That said, we think it won’t be possible for her to cope with the early Lemos onslaught. We, therefore, are backing a Lemos win.
Best Rugby League Predictions This Week
National Rugby League teams have put their foot on the accelerator as the final weeks of the competition unfold. Here are the two matches we have selected for this week’s betting predictions:
Warriors to Beat Raiders @ 2.020
Raiders and Warriors were licking their wounds last round after narrow defeats in round 18, but both sides should feel refreshed after a bye and ready to bounce back.
The Warriors were left gutted after a heart-breaking 13-12 defeat to the Bulldogs in extra time. Matt Burton’s golden-point field goal stole the win, leaving the Auckland outfit feeling like they’d done everything but score the crucial try.
The Raiders also suffered a narrow defeat, as they fell short to Newcastle. The visitors were inspired by the return of star fullback Kalyn Ponga, who orchestrated a 16-12 victory.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Suffering a daunting four-match losing streak, the Raiders set their sights on redemption this Friday night. They’ll look to overpower the Warriors at GIO Stadium Canberra and finally get back on the winning track.
While the Warriors also fell short in their last outing, they’ve shown more fight recently compared to the Raiders. Andrew Webster’s men have bagged two wins from their last five, and they’ll be scenting blood against a Canberra side that have been win-less since early June. At 2.020 with bookmaker Pinnacle, the Warriors are a steal.
Storm and Roosters to Score More Than 47 @ 1.900
The Sydney Roosters head south this Saturday night for a crucial clash against the Melbourne Storm, with their minor premiership dreams on the line. The Storm currently hold a comfortable four-point lead at the top, while the Tricolours sit two points further back in third.
Back in round seven, Melbourne edged out the Roosters 18-12 in a gritty Sydney encounter, with Xavier Coates securing the win. Can the Roosters turn the tables on their rivals and re-ignite their premiership charge?
The Roosters are on fire, having rattled off four straight wins. But their away match in Melbourne will be no walk in the park. The Storm boast a fortress at home, losing just once there all season. They’re also in red-hot form, riding a five-game winning streak. Just like the Roosters, they had a bye in round 19, so both sides come into this clash fresh and ready to rumble.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 17th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Since both of these teams are in a similar level of form, it is extremely difficult to call this tie. One thing is for sure, though – fireworks are on the cards. Bookmaker Pinnacle is offering some tasty odds for a high-scoring clash.
Storm have been one of the best attacking units in the division since the start of the season. Trent Robinson’s side’s attacking finesse is a more recent development. Robinson’s men have found their scoring boots lately, racking up 136 points in their last four games. This is shaping up to be a real test of the Melbourne rearguard.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
With so many events heading our way, even the most avid sports punter might feel a bit overwhelmed. We did the homework and put together some hard-to-resist wagers you can try this week.
- England and West Indies to draw @ 10.740
- Worcester to beat Derbyshire @ 2.130
- Sussex to beat Somerset @ 2.130
- Taylor Pendrith to win the Barracuda Championship @ 23.410
- Collin Morikawa to win the 2024 Open Championship @ 16.540
- Rory Mcllroy to finish 2024 Open Championship top 10 @ 2.020
- Noah Lyles to win the men’s 100m Olympics 2024 gold @ 3.150
- Lemos to beat Jandiroba @ 2.230
- Warriors to beat Raiders @ 2.020
- Storm and Roosters to score more than 47 @ 1.900
Taylor Pendrith can bring you a 23x windfall by winning the Barracuda Championship this weekend. The Storm and Roosters seem set to play out a try-fest. This low-risk bet offers a tidy return. Try out these exclusive tips and let us know how it went. We will be back next week with more sports betting insights.
