Eager to do some betting this week? Then you’re in luck. While major football competitions are gradually returning to action, the golf season is winding down. The BMW Championship will further narrow the field in the FedEx Cup, while the AIG Women’s Open will cap off the LPGA calendar with the final Major.
UFC Vegas 96 will conclude the month of August with a thrilling mixed martial arts event. Meanwhile, PFL 9 will finalise the fixtures for the 2024 Professional Fighters League Championships. In addition, we’ll also take a look into the action-packed round 25 of the NRL and explore some intriguing Europa League qualifying match-ups.
We have handpicked the best bets from these events, powered by the latest odds from bookmaker Pinnacle.
Best Golf Predictions This Week
The FedEx Cup Playoffs moves to the 2024 BMW Championship on August 22, while the AIG Women’s Open, also starting on August 22, will conclude the major championship season. Both tournaments offer exciting betting opportunities.
Minjee Lee to Win AIG Women’s Open @ 36.960
The AIG Women’s British Open returns to the iconic Old Course at St. Andrews for the third time, but the historic venue is set to welcome the LPGA Tour with a less than ideal forecast. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to batter Scotland throughout the tournament, creating challenging conditions for the players as they compete in the year’s final major, a crucial checkpoint in the LPGA season.
The automatic qualifying spots for both the American and European Solheim Cup teams will be finalised at the end of this week, offering one last opportunity for players to secure their places. With just four full-field events remaining after this week’s tournament, despite there being more than three months until the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, the race for LPGA Tour points is intensifying.
Minjee Lee arrives at the Old Course brimming with confidence after a solid T-12 finish at the Women’s Scottish Open. The Australian has established herself as one of the LPGA’s premier performers in the British Women’s Open over the past four years, amassing three top-five finishes in her last four starts, including a career-best third place at Royal Troon in 2020.
The two-time major champion has the perfect opportunity to bounce back from her last day disappointment at the US Women’s Open with another strong showing in the British Open.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Given Lee’s impressive record of 10 LPGA Tour wins and two Major Championships, her current odds for the AIG Women’s Open at bookmaker Pinnacle seem surprisingly generous. The 28-year-old finished top 10 at the US Open this year, so not a lot of people will be surprised to see her lifting the trophy in Scotland this weekend.
Scotland has been a lucky hunting ground for Lee, with six top-10 finishes in her last eight trips to the country. She was hot on the heels of the leaders at last week’s Scottish Open, and given her proven ability to win and her consistent form, we are tempted to take a flyer on her to claim the AIG Women’s British Open.
Viktor Hovland to Win BMW Championship @ 20.110
Following a grueling week in Memphis, the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings will travel to Denver for the 2024 BMW Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club. The iconic Jack Nicklaus course will host the event for the first time in 18 years.
Defending champion Viktor Hovland will be one of the standout players in the field. Hovland’s BMW Championship record is a mixed bag. He’s bagged one title in four appearances, but his overall average placement of 23 suggests he’s been a bit inconsistent.
That said, we saw the Norwegian at the peak of his abilities in his last BMW Championship campaign. Hovland put on a clinical show at Olympia Fields, carding a course-record 61 that included a mind-boggling seven-under-par 28 on the back nine. His sizzling round propelled him to a two-shot victory over Scottie Scheffler and Matt Fitzpatrick.
He built on the momentum and cruised to the FedEx Cup title afterward. However, the magic seemed to fade early in the new season. The seventh-ranked player in the world had only one top-10 finish this season before his St. Jude Championship campaign and missed cuts in all three majors. Just before his title defence, though, the 26-year-old has rediscovered his form.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Hovland’s reunion with longtime coach Joe Mayo appears to have yielded immediate results. He surged up the leaderboard at the St. Jude Championship, narrowly missing out on the title. Hovland suffered a dip in form after changing his swing technique, but he displayed commendable humility by acknowledging his failed experiment. He has gone back to the basics and it brought him back to his best.
Backing a successful title defence for Hovland offers excellent value at bookmaker Pinnacle. His recent resurgence makes him a compelling option for those seeking a solid bet on the tournament.
Best MMA Predictions This Week
Both the PFL and UFC will be in action this week, offering up a bout each for our betting preview.
Tyler Diamond to Beat Enrique Bazorla @ 1.775
Tyler Diamond and Enrique Barzola will go head-to-head in a crucial Featherweight bout on August 23 as the PFL Playoffs continue at The Anthem in Washington, DC. Diamond, famed for his explosive hits, will square off against Barzola, a seasoned veteran with a versatile skill set and a reputation for grinding down his opponents. Their combined intensity is sure to spark a spectacular showdown in the cage.
A rising star in the PFL featherweight division, Diamond enters the cage with an impressive 14-3-0 record. His aggressive fighting style and lethal knockout ability have made him a fan favourite. The American’s wrestling expertise complements his striking skills, giving him the ability to dictate the pace and force his opponents onto the back foot.
With a record of 20-9-2, Peruvian veteran Enrique Barzola steps into this fight carrying a reputation as a relentless grinder. Barzola’s well-rounded skills allow him to gradually wear down opponents throughout the three rounds. His time in top promotions like the UFC has honed him for the challenges awaiting in the PFL Playoffs.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
It should not come as a surprise that Barzola is the favourite in this match-up. He is more experienced and appears to have a more all-round profile, but his perceived weaknesses could prove to be a stumbling block against his next opponent.
Analysing the past fights Barzola has been involved in, we can see that he doesn’t like fighters with a strong striking arsenal. This is where Diamond shines. He can unleash a barrage of punches that could bring down the Peruvian’s defence and send him to the canvas.
Barzola’s inability to deliver the finishing blow has been a recurring theme in his career. This could prove to be a fatal flaw against a striker as dangerous as Diamond. Diamond’s relentless pace will be a constant challenge for Barzola, who may find himself overwhelmed.
All these point to a Tyler Diamond win in this fight, which comes at a sweet 2.100 price tag at bookmaker Pinnacle.
Angela Hill to Beat Tabatha Ricci @ 1.952
Angela Hill and Tabatha Ricci clash in a high-stakes strawweight showdown as the UFC Vegas 96 co-main event on Saturday night.
Riding a two-fight winning streak, Hill enters the Octagon with newfound momentum. Her recent submission victory over Luana Pinheiro marked a historic milestone, becoming the first submission win of her UFC career.
This weekend, she will etch her name in UFC history as only the second woman to reach 25 appearances, joining the elite Jessica Andrade. A third consecutive victory would not only solidify her position in the rankings but also mark a significant achievement in her extended tenure with the promotion.
Ricci’s meteoric rise through the 115-pound division was halted by a setback against Loopy Godinez at UFC 295. Despite the split decision loss, Ricci’s determination remained unwavering. In a hard-fought battle against Tecia Pennington, she emerged victorious, securing a narrow 2-1 decision. The victory served as a much-needed reminder of her resilience and fighting spirit.
A victory over Hill could catapult Ricci into the top 10 of the rankings. However, Hill, despite her age, remains a formidable force in the division. Her recent performances have showcased a continuous evolution of her skills. The question remains: will Hill extend her winning streak to three, or can Ricci’s grappling prowess overcome the veteran’s experience?
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
We are betting on the first outcome. While Hill lags behind in grappling, she more than compensates for it with superior striking. That’s a claim we can back up with numbers.
Hill connects at a rate of 5.38 significant strikes per minute compared to Ricci’s 4.28. Hill’s accuracy is also superior, landing 49% of her attempts, while Ricci connects on 37%.
However, Ricci’s defence is comparable to Hill’s, absorbing 4.94 significant strikes per minute compared to Hill’s 4.86. Both fighters demonstrate exceptional defensive abilities, deflecting 60% or more of their opponents’ strikes.
Bookmaker Pinnacle has almost similar odds for both fighters, which shows that bookies are expecting this to be a close one. But we believe Angela Hill holds a slight edge in this fight regardless, so we will go for a Hill victory at 1.952.
Best Football Predictions This Week
Before the domestic leagues resume this weekend, we have a midweek feast of European action. Here are three Europa League match-ups that offer some tempting wagering possibilities:
Plzen -2.0 Handicap vs Hearts @ 3.240
Hearts and Viktoria Plzen clash in a pivotal Europa League playoff on Thursday, vying for a coveted spot in the group stage. While Hearts are about to set sail on their European journey for the season, Plzen have already navigated the third qualifying round to reach this crucial two-legged tie.
Hearts’ third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership last season was marred by a disappointing end to the campaign, winning only one of their final six matches. This slump has carried over into the new season, as Hearts have struggled to find their rhythm.
A subpar pre-season and a solitary point from their first two league games have intensified the pressure on head coach Steven Naismith, further exacerbated by last week’s League Cup defeat to Falkirk.
Plzen will be welcoming Naismith’s team at Doosan Arena for the match, where they have a chequered reputation in European matches. The Czech side struggled in their recent Champions League and Europa League assignments, but they have been incredibly better in the Conference League.
The six time Czech champions dominated their Conference League group last season. After a 100% group stage record, they made it to the quarterfinals, but eventual champions Fiorentina stopped them in a hard-fought battle that dragged into extra time.
Miroslav Koubek’s men have enjoyed a stellar start to the season, boasting four wins and a draw. They are hot on the heels of league leaders Sparta Prague and have extended their unbeaten run with a recent 3-0 victory over Ceske Budejovice. Their fantastic form also saw them picking up a convincing win over Kryvbas in their opening Europa League qualifier.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Hearts’ European away record is far from impressive, having won only five matches on the road since the turn of the century. This poses a significant challenge for the Scottish side.
The odds offered by bookmaker Pinnacle clearly indicate Hearts as the underdogs. Given Plzen’s undisputed favourite’s label in this tie, we anticipate the hosts to score more than three goals. For this reason, we will place a bet on Plzen comfortably covering the -2 spread, expecting more than a threefold return on our wager.
LASK vs. FCSB Draw @ 3.740
LASK Linz and FCSB face off in a crucial Europa League playoff tie on Thursday night at Raiffeisen Arena. The victor of this two-legged battle will secure a place in the expanded 36-team Europa League, while the loser will be relegated to the Conference League.
The Austrian club is on the brink of a historic achievement, aiming to qualify for its fourth Europa League proper in its history. Having participated in the 2023-24 group stage, Die Laskler are determined to repeat their success.
Despite finishing third in the Austrian Bundesliga, their automatic entry into the Europa League playoff round offers them a direct path to the group stage.
LASK Linz’s season began with a promising victory over Union Gurten in the Austrian Cup, followed by a hard-fought win against Hartberg in the league. However, their momentum has faltered in recent weeks, with consecutive home defeats to Rheindorf Altach and Red Bull Salzburg casting a shadow over their early-season success.
Die Schwarz-Weißen head coach Thomas Darazs will demand a stronger performance from his team on Thursday as they face FCSB, who have also encountered inconsistency in their early-season campaign.
FCSB have experienced a disappointing start to the season, winning just five of their opening 12 matches. Their domestic form has been equally underwhelming, with only one victory in their first five top-flight fixtures. This slump has left the Romanian giants languishing in 13th place, a significant nine points adrift of the summit.
Elias Charalambous’s side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Politehnica Iasi last weekend, despite having a one man advantage. This setback followed a 3-2 loss to Sparta Prague in the Champions League third qualifying round, resulting in a 4-3 aggregate defeat.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Both LASK Linz and FCSB enter Thursday’s clash with a sense of urgency, seeking to arrest their respective losing streaks. While both teams are confident in their ability to secure a victory in the first leg, a draw seems more likely, setting the stage for a thrilling second leg in Romania next week. Bookmaker Pinnacle has priced a draw at a generous 3.740.
Molde vs. Elfsborg Draw @ 4.330
Molde and Elfsborg are set to lock horns in a Europa League playoff affair on Thursday, with the Norwegian side hosting the Swedish visitors at Aker Stadion.
Molde, who entered the competition in the second qualifying round, have already overcome Cercle Brugge. Elfsborg, meanwhile, have progressed through the first and second qualifying rounds, including a convincing 3-1 aggregate victory over Rijeka in their most recent tie.
With 18 matches completed in the Norwegian top flight, Molde find themselves in fourth place, their 31 points averaging out to a respectable 1.72 points per game. While this figure slightly surpasses their average from last season, Molde manager Erling Moe knows that his current team does not match the calibre of the 2022 championship-winning side, which accumulated a remarkable 78 points.
However, there remains a glimmer of hope. Moe has the opportunity to lead Molde into the Europa League group stage for the second consecutive season, a feat that would solidify their status as a European force.
Elfsborg would have had a perfect record of six wins from three qualifying ties if they hadn’t drawn 1-1 against Rijeka on August 8th. Despite playing with ten men for the final 34 minutes following Jalal Abdullai’s dismissal, Di Gule managed to salvage a draw against the Croatians.
While Elfsborg seem destined for a mid-table finish in Allsvenskan, their Europa League campaign so far has given their fans something to rejoice. Manager Oscar Hiljemark deserves credit for his team’s five match unbeaten run away from home. There has been a significant improvement in their recent results lately, as they have registered nine wins out of 12 outings across all competitions.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Although Molde had a stronger third qualifying round, we cannot ignore the form Elfsborg have shown recently. They seem to be more resilient than they have ever been this season, so hosts might be up for a difficult evening of Europa League football.
We expect a fiercely contested first half, leaving it all to play for in the final leg in Sweden. A draw seems to be the likeliest outcome, and Pinnacle’s odds of 4.330 make it a worthwhile bet.
Best Rugby League Predictions This Week
With the NRL season reaching its crescendo in the next few weeks, every match carries immense significance. Teams are locked in a ferocious battle for crucial wins that could shape their playoff destiny or secure remarkable milestones. Let’s explore the most exciting NRL round 25 betting picks.
Tigers vs. Sea Eagles – Over 52 @ 1.943
The Wests Tigers’ victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs has provided them with a slim chance of avoiding a third straight wooden spoon, but they face a tough test against the Sea Eagles on Thursday. A stunning win over the Sea Eagles this weekend would give Wests Tigers a possible wooden spoon decider against the Eels in the final round.
Benji Marshall’s men exorcised their demons against the Rabbitohs, snapping a nine-game losing streak against their NSW rivals. A victory over the Sea Eagles would mark only their second consecutive NSW derby win in 2024, a feat they last achieved in rounds three and four against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Parramatta Eels.
The Sea Eagles, on the other hand, will be approaching this tie with relatively relaxed nerves. They have nearly booked a place in the finals with a three-point cushion over the eighth placed Dragons. A recent run of five wins in six outings have all but ensured their post-regular season fate.
Anthony Seibold’s side stormed past the Warriors, with a comfortable 14-point victory. Their second-half dominance showcased their championship pedigree. With crucial clashes against the Tigers, Bulldogs, and Sharks to conclude the season, a top-four finish appears well within reach.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Leichhardt Oval has been a fortress for Wests Tigers against the Sea Eagles. The Tigers have dominated their rivals in recent clashes, winning their last four matches by an average margin of 12 points. Their offensive prowess has been on full display, with three of those victories yielding 30 or more points.
We don’t see them continuing that run, considering the contrasting levels of form these two teams have shown so far. Manly’s potent attack is expected to exploit the Tigers’ defensive vulnerabilities, leading to a high-scoring affair. However, the home side’s attacking firepower should not be underestimated. Given these factors, we believe the total points will exceed 52, and bookmaker Pinnacle’s odds of 1.877 on this outcome represent good value.
Bulldogs -6.0 Handicap vs Warriors @ 2.010
The Warriors’ fans will be hoping for a fitting send-off for Shaun Johnson as they conclude a disappointing season. Johnson, who has been a fan favourite at the team, will grace the field for the final time at Go Media Stadium, a stadium that has been renamed in his honour for this special occasion.
The Warriors were just one point outside the top eight at the halfway mark, but a disappointing slump has derailed their campaign. They have suffered seven losses in their last nine matches, eliminating them from the playoff race.
Andrew Webster will rally his team to deliver a victory, a perfect farewell gift for Johnson in front of a passionate Go Media Stadium crowd. However, the challenge ahead is formidable, to say the least.
The Bulldogs’ recent hot streak has put them in prime position for a top-four finish and a double chance in the finals. They have won six out of their last seven matches, thanks to their rock solid defensive record.
In their last outing, the Bulldogs produced another defensive masterclass to pick up another crucial victory. Their backline was impenetrable in the second half against the Dolphins, and they eventually won the match 30-16. Stephen Crichton and the boys have not conceded a single second half point in both of their last two matches, and they will look to continue their shutout streak against an under-firing Warriors side.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The Warriors’ desire for a victory is palpable, but they face a daunting test against the in-form Bulldogs. We anticipate the Bulldogs securing their first win at Go Media Stadium in 12 years and comfortably covering the -6.0 spread, which is available at 2.010 on bookmaker Pinnacle.
Broncos -10.0 vs Eels @ 1.961
The Broncos aim to register consecutive victories for the first time since May as they host the Eels in the Friday night finale at Suncorp Stadium. Brisbane’s recent victory over the North Queensland Cowboys marked their second win in their last 10 matches, but it’s a bittersweet achievement given their close call in the previous season’s premiership race.
Kevin Walters and his team will undoubtedly reflect on the 2024 campaign with a sense of disappointment. Despite their recent struggles, the Broncos have a realistic chance of victory this weekend. The Eels, with an identical record in their last ten matches, are also facing challenges. This match-up presents an opportunity for both teams to secure a win.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 21st, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The Eels’ misery continued as they fell to yet another crushing defeat in their previous outing. A catastrophic first-half performance saw them suffer a 24-point humiliation against the Roosters.
The Eels’ defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in their earlier encounter with the Broncos. Despite leading 18-12 at halftime, the Eels were ultimately outclassed, suffering a 42-18 defeat.
We expect another dominant win for the Broncos and predict them to cover the -10.0 spread offered at 1.961 on bookmaker Pinnacle.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
Don’t get lost in the whirlwind of sporting events heading your way this week. We’ve done the legwork and curated a collection of irresistible wagers for you to consider. Here are our picks for the week:
- Minjee Lee to win AIG Women’s Open @ 36.960
- Viktor Hovland to win BMW Championship @ 20.110
- Tyler Diamond to beat Enrique Bazorla @ 1.775
- Angela Hill to beat Tabatha Ricci @ 1.952
- Plzen – 2.0 @ 3.240
- LASK vs. FCSB draw @ 3.740
- Molde vs. Elfsborg draw @ 4.330
- Tigers vs. Sea Eagles – Over 52 @ 1.943
- Bulldogs -6.0 handicap vs. Warriors @ 2.010
- Broncos -10.0 handicap vs. Eels @ 1.961
Viktor Hovland is set to make another strong title run at the BMW Championship, offering an inviting 20x return on a successful wager. Additionally, we’re confident in Viktoria Plzen’s ability to secure a comfortable victory over Hearts, providing a lucrative betting opportunity.
