Welcome back to our weekly previews, where we outline the best bets to make across the world of sports in the coming seven days. In this edition, we will focus on events taking place between August 29th and September 4th. In addition to our usual coverage of football, boxing, and rugby league, we will also explore betting opportunities in eSports and American football. Read on, as we have partnered with bookmaker Pinnacle to bring you the best betting odds this week.
Best Boxing Predictions This Week
We have several boxing matches to bet on this week, but we’re most interested in a particular Diego Pacheco vs. Maciej Sulecki undercard fight, as it offers the best betting potential.
Ruiz to Beat Fuchs @ 1.769
The clash between Adelaida Ruiz and Ginny Fuchs is a battle that has significant implications for the women’s super flyweight division. Who will come out on top when Ruiz defends her WBC interim title against Fuchs?
The duo will fight for the chance to challenge the champion, Asley González. The fight promises to be an exhilarating spectacle when they meet on August 31 on the Diego Pacheco vs. Maciej Sulecki undercard at the Dignity Health Sports Center in Carson. Before the action begins, let’s assess the strengths and weaknesses of these two boxers.
Ruiz comes into the ring with well-rounded boxing skills, boasting both power and technical prowess. Since her professional debut in 2017, the interim champion has continued to impress with an undefeated record of 16-0-1, including eight knockouts.
The 35-year-old’s ability to finish fights with powerful punches is her biggest strength, and her knockout ratio of 50% underscores the threat she poses in the ring. At 5’6″ (168 cm), Ruiz has the physical stature to dominate her opponents and control the pace of the fight.
In contrast, Fuchs, at 36, is the elder competitor but remains a relative newcomer to professional boxing. Despite entering the sport just a few years ago, she has exhibited promising skills and the potential to excel at the highest level. The Houston native boasts a clean record of 3-0 with one knockout, further supporting her case. However, her knockout ratio of 33.33% suggests that she may lack the one-punch knockout power of some of her opponents.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Ruiz appears to have all the advantages in this fight. She is fresh off a dominant victory over Catherine Tacone Ramos in July and is expected to be in peak physical condition. In addition to her powerful punching, the LA girl also enjoys a significant height and weight advantage over her opponent, further amplifying her potential to inflict damage.
With bookmaker Pinnacle offering odds of 1.769, backing Ruiz for this fight seems like a no-brainer.
Best eSports Predictions This Weekend
The playoff stages of the premier League of Legends tournaments are intensifying across all regions. For our betting predictions, we will shift our focus to China and South Korea.
T1 to Beat Hanwha Life @ 2.390
The top League of Legends teams are battling it out in playoffs around the world, and South Korea is no exception. Only three teams remain in the hunt for the championship and the last MSI 2024 spot. Hanwha Life Esports and T1 are the top contenders in the region and will be looking to deal a severe blow to each other’s aspirations.
T1 clinched the LCK Spring 2022 title and subsequently secured three consecutive top-two finishes: MSI, LCK Summer, and Worlds 2022. This ‘curse of second place’ persisted into the 2023 season. At the Long Run of the Year, Faker and his team achieved second place in LCK Spring 2023 and subsequently finished third at MSI 2023.
Following an impressive regular season in LCK Spring 2024, T1’s performance dipped slightly, resulting in a 15-3 record and a third-place finish. T1 entered the championship playoffs with a match against Hanwha Life Esports and, to the surprise of many, suffered a resounding 0-3 defeat. In the lower bracket of the playoffs, T1 faced DPlus KIA and emerged victorious with a clean 3-0 sweep.
Hanwha Life, a consistent mid-table team, has made significant progress in the latter stages of the regular split. This positive trend began in 2023, marking a stark contrast to the previous season. In 2022, Hanwha Life struggled to compete at the highest level, finishing in the bottom 10 during both regular splits.
Hanwha Life finished the LCK Spring 2024 regular season in third place with a commendable 15-3 record. This represents one of the most successful seasons in the team’s history. It’s a rare achievement to compete on par with T1 during the regular season, but Hanwha Life managed to do so in LCK Spring 2024.
Choi ‘DanDy’ In-kyu’s men began the playoffs with a match against Freecs, which was a straightforward victory as anticipated. However, their equally effortless win over T1 was a surprising development. Despite a promising start with a first-map win against Gen.G, Hanwha Life was ultimately unable to overcome their opponents, succumbing to three consecutive defeats.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
In the past year, these two teams have faced off five times, with Hanwha Life Esports holding a slight advantage of 3-2. While Hanwha Life appears to be in better form this season, T1’s extensive experience in high-stakes matches gives them a significant edge. We anticipate T1 to emerge victorious in this series. Based on the odds of 2.390 offered by bookmaker Pinnacle, backing T1 seems like a worthwhile wager.
Bilibili to Beat Weibo 3-1 @ 3.070
The pinnacle of regional League of Legends championships, LPL Summer 2024, is nearing its conclusion. The final match will decide the second Chinese representative for the upcoming Worlds 2024 tournament.
The first team to secure a Worlds 2024 berth is Bilibili Gaming, who earned their place by reaching the grand final of the summer split and achieving consistent success throughout the year.
However, the fate of the second direct slot remains uncertain. If WBG wins the Grand Final, they will qualify for Worlds 2024 directly. Conversely, if WBG loses, TOP Esports will claim the second direct slot based on their third-place finish in LPL Summer 2024.
Following an exceptionally successful first half of the year, Bilibili Gaming has shown no signs of slowing down. The team was the first to qualify for the LPL Summer 2023 playoffs and set a new league record by completing the group stage with only one loss.
BLG competed at the Esports World Cup 2024, where they were eliminated in the first round by T1, the eventual tournament champions. Following this, Bilibili Gaming returned to domestic action in LPL Summer 2024, securing first place in Group B during the first stage. Their dominance continued in the Rumble Stage, where they achieved a remarkable 7-1 record to claim the top spot.
Bilibili Gaming entered the LPL Summer 2024 playoffs with a strong sense of confidence. They demonstrated their dominance by sweeping WBG 3-0 in the opening match and subsequently defeating TES 3-1.
Weibo Gaming is a relatively new addition to LPL, having first appeared on the eSports scene and the big stage in 2021. The club made its LPL debut in 2022.
In the first round of playoffs, Weibo narrowly defeated Invictus Gaming 3-2. They followed this up with another close victory over LNG Esports, winning by a score of 3-2. However, their run came to an abrupt end in the following match against JD Gaming, resulting in a final placement of sixth.
In LPL Summer 2024, Weibo Gaming competed in Group D, securing third place and advancing to the top grid of the Rumble Stage. With a 5-3 record, they qualified directly for the third round of playoffs. There, they overcame NiP with a 3-1 victory.
However, their momentum was halted by a decisive 0-3 defeat against BLG. In a surprising turn of events, Weibo Gaming defeated LNG to secure a place in the top three. Their impressive run continued in the playoffs, where they narrowly defeated TES 3-2.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
We think Weibo will crumble under pressure in this grand final battle, just like they did in the Worlds 2023 final. The historical head-to-head record between WBG and BLG further supports this prediction. We foresee a 3-1 series victory for BLG, offering attractive odds of 3.070 on bookmaker Pinnacle.
Best American Football Predictions This Week
While college football may not enjoy the same level of popularity in the UK as it does in the United States, the betting prospect of these games are undeniably significant. This week, we present our top college football betting picks.
North Dakota State vs. Colorado – Colorado -9.5 @ 1.869
North Dakota State has established itself as one of the most successful college football programs in the United States over the past two decades. The Bison’s impressive record includes a staggering 17 national championships, setting an expectation of consistent success.
Despite an 11-4 season, their worst finish since 2010, North Dakota State remains eager to reclaim their status as a dominant force in the FCS. A victory over Colorado on the national stage would significantly bolster this team’s morale.
Meanwhile, Colorado is undoubtedly eager to hit the field after an off-season marred by criticism. Despite facing scrutiny, the Buffaloes prioritised strengthening their roster through the transfer portal following a disappointing conclusion to the 2023 season.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
A key concern for North Dakota State’s defence is their ability to match Colorado’s exceptional passing game. Colorado boast a formidable offensive arsenal. Shedeur Sanders, a legitimate Heisman Trophy favourite, leads a talented receiving corps that poses a significant challenge for an FCS school like North Dakota State.
The acquisition of five-star freshman tackle Jordan Seaton, coupled with a rejuvenated offensive line, is anticipated to provide quarterback Sanders with the necessary protection to capitalise on North Dakota’s defensive frailties.
Colorado’s skill positions are brimming with playmakers, including Travis Hunter, LaJohntay Wester, and Ohio State transfer Dallan Hayden. The speed and talent at these positions could overwhelm North Dakota State’s defence, which has exhibited vulnerability in open-field tackling
The Buffaloes are expected to cover the -9.5 point spread at home. Bookmaker Pinnacle offers odds of 1.869 in favour of this outcome.
Temple vs. Oklahoma – Oklahoma -42.0 @ 1.909
The Temple Owls, who finished 3-9 last season, will travel to Memorial Stadium on Friday, August 30 to face the Oklahoma Sooners, who had a 10-3 record in their latest campaign. Given the contrasting seasons both teams are coming off, it’s no surprise that Temple are massive underdogs in this match.
The Owls struggled defensively last season, ranking 127th nationally with an average of 35.7 points allowed per game. Their run defence was equally vulnerable, allowing opponents to average 4.6 yards per rush and 198.3 rushing yards per contest. In total, they surrendered 2,380 rushing yards in 12 games.
Through the air, the Owls gave up 2,920 passing yards (82nd nationally), an average of 243.3 yards per game, and a completion percentage of 64.5%. Overall, they allowed an average of 441.6 yards per game (124th nationally), including 28 passing touchdowns and 25 rushing touchdowns.
The Oklahoma Sooners’ offence, on the other hand, ranked fourth in Division 1 scoring, averaging 41.7 points per game. Their total offence averaged 507.0 yards per game, ranking third nationally.
Temple Owls forced five turnovers last season, but to return with a win from in Norman, they may need to generate five turnovers on Friday.
Oklahoma is expected to establish a strong ground game early in the match. Quarterback Jackson Arnold will be under the spotlight, but he should be able to manage the game effectively without taking unnecessary risks.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
On paper, this appears to be a mismatch. Bookmaker Pinnacle has Oklahoma winning this with a minimum 42 point lead at 1.909, which seems to be a good deal.
Minnesota to Beat North Carolina @ 2.070
North Carolina and Minnesota, both aiming to bounce back from disappointing 2023 campaigns, will face off in the opening week of the new college football season.
The Tar Heels, who finished 8-5 last season and climbed as high No. 10, are embarking on a new era following the departure of star quarterback Drake Maye, who was selected third overall by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft.
Minnesota, under the leadership of head coach P.J. Fleck for his eighth season, achieved only six wins in 2023. In order to turn things around, the Golden Gophers have welcomed New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer as their new starting quarterback for the 2024 season.
Although North Carolina cannot call up Maye anymore, they have several capable backup options. While the starting quarterback position remains undecided, the team has acquired a promising transfer in Max Johnson.
Johnson has previous starting experience at both LSU and Texas A&M. Throughout his career at these two institutions, Johnson appeared in 30 games, passing for 5,852 yards, 47 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Minnesota have bolstered their roster with several new additions this season, most notably Max Brosmer. While Brosmer is transferring from New Hampshire, his FCS background should not be underestimated.
During his time at New Hampshire in 2023, Brosmer demonstrated impressive passing skills, throwing for 29 touchdowns and rushing for five more. His ability to protect the football is particularly noteworthy, as he only threw five interceptions last season.
Brosmer has the potential to lead the Golden Gophers to a successful season, and it could all begin with a strong performance against North Carolina.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
This promises to be a closely contested match. Both teams have new quarterbacks, but both are highly rated players. However, North Carolina’s defensive struggles lead us to favour Minnesota for this match-up.
Considering that the Tar Heels lost four of their last five away games last season, we believe that backing Minnesota to win at home, with odds of 2.070 offered by bookmaker Pinnacle, is a smart decision.
Best Football Predictions This Week
Turning our attention to the more familiar realm of European football, we have a selection of continental fixtures to consider before the weekend league action commences. Let’s explore some promising betting opportunities for these midweek matches.
Ajax vs. Jagiellonia Bialystok – Three Goals to Be Scored @ 4.210
Ajax seek to confirm their tickets for the Europa League group stage through the playoffs when they face Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday. The Dutch giants hold a commanding three-goal advantage heading into the second leg at Johan Cruijff ArenA, despite falling behind early in the previous encounter.
Despite conceding an early goal in Poland last week, Ajax kept their heads high and scored twice before halftime to seize control of the first leg. Chuba Akpom completed a hat-trick in the second half at Stadion Miejski, securing a resounding 4-1 victory for Ajax away from home. The Amsterdam club had already navigated two rounds to reach the playoffs.
Following a disappointing 2023-24 season, which saw the most successful Dutch club of all time finish a significant 35 points behind Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven and briefly flirt with relegation, new coach Francesco Farioli took the helm.
The esteemed Italian manager appears to be adapting well to his new role, despite his team’s recent 2-1 away defeat against NAC Breda in the league. Despite a recent defeat to NAC Breda, the team has a weekend break to recuperate and focus on their European aspirations.
Jagiellonia, once hopeful of reaching the Europa League group stage, now faces an uphill battle after losing the first leg 4-1 to Ajax. Unless they can stage a remarkable comeback in the Netherlands, last season’s Ekstraklasa champions will be forced to compete in the Conference League.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
With qualification virtually secured last week, Ajax can afford to rest some players ahead of Sunday’s Klassieker, the first match under new manager Francesco Farioli. Despite potential changes, Ajax should still comfortably defeat a struggling Jagiellonia side that has defensive vulnerabilities and is likely to lack self-belief. We predict a total of three goals in this match, which is offered at odds of 4.210 by bookmaker Pinnacle.
Anderlecht vs. Dinamo Minsk – Anderlecht to Win to Nil @ 1.990
With a one-goal advantage from the first leg, Anderlecht seeks to secure their place in the Europa League by defeating Dinamo Minsk on Thursday. Following their away victory, the Belgian club holds the upper hand in the playoff tie and will aim to complete the job at home in Brussels.
Anderlecht gained an early advantage last week when captain Ludwig Augustinsson scored, and they maintained that lead until the final whistle. This gives them a strong position heading into the return leg this week.
Having secured third place in the Belgian Pro League last season, Anderlecht qualified for the Europa League playoffs. Prior to their European excursion to Hungary, the team stormed to the top of the domestic league standings with a victory over Mechelen.
Anderlecht are atop the league standings despite playing one fewer match than their rivals. After a string of three wins and a draw, Brian Riemer’s side chose to focus on their European mission and postponed their league meeting with Genk last week.
Forced to play the first leg on neutral territory, Dinamo Minsk must now board the Brussels-bound-flight with the challenging task of staging a comeback in the second leg.
Having last reached the Europa League group stage in 2015, the Belarusian side, Dinamo Minsk, were eliminated from Champions League qualifying this summer. They fell to Ludogorets after advancing past FC Pyunik of Armenia in the first round.
Dinamo Minsk now faces the risk of relegation to a lower tier of UEFA’s club competitions. Should they lose on Thursday, they will be sent to the Conference League group stage.
Vadim Skripchenko oversaw Dinamo Minsk’s successful league title charge last season. The team’s domestic dominance has continued into the current campaign, with a 10-0-5 record and only eight goals conceded in 15 matches. However, their European performances have been less impressive.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
With a valuable away win in Hungary, Anderlecht is well-positioned to secure their place in the Europa League group stage. Dinamo Minsk, lacking the necessary firepower to overcome their deficit, are unlikely to stage a comeback. As a result, Les Mauves are expected to advance through the playoffs.
Bookmaker Pinnacle offers odds of 1.990 for Anderlecht to win with a clean sheet, which appears to be a highly likely outcome.
Servette vs. Chelsea – Both Teams to Score and Chelsea to Win @ 2.890
Following their first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea aims to secure their place in the Europa Conference League group stage by defeating Servette in Switzerland on Thursday. The Blues, holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, will travel to Stade de Genève for the return fixture.
Having spent a season absent from the European stage, Chelsea has taken a significant step towards qualifying for the expanded 2024-25 Conference League. Second-half goals from Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke secured a commanding 2-0 victory in the first leg of their playoff tie.
Chelsea, having won their last three matches on the road, including two from last season, only need a draw against Servette to secure their place in the Europa Conference League group stage.
Despite having more shots and twice as many corners, Servette struggled to create clear-cut chances against Chelsea in the first leg. The Swiss side now faces an uphill battle to qualify for a second consecutive season in the Conference League.
Servette, who clinched third place in the Swiss Super League and won the Swiss Cup last season, enjoyed a week-long break from domestic competition. This will have allowed them to fully rest and prepare for Thursday’s second leg.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Should Servette regain their scoring touch, Chelsea might face a difficult evening. However, Chelsea’s superior quality should ultimately prevail, even with potential squad rotations. We anticipate a comfortable victory for Chelsea, with both teams finding the net. Bookmaker Pinnacle offers enticing odds of 2.890 for this outcome.
The Best Rugby League Prediction This Week
We will wrap up our weekly predictions with an NRL match, and we have chosen the Bulldogs vs. Sea Eagles clash for our betting preview.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Manly Sea Eagles – Bulldogs -4.0 @ 1.943
Manly, reeling from a surprising defeat to the last-placed Tigers at Leichhardt Oval, will aim to bounce back with a victory on Friday night at Stadium Australia. The Bulldogs, riding a five-game winning streak, are eager to impress their home-ground fans.
The Bulldogs have established an impenetrable fortress at home, boasting an undefeated 10-0 record this season. In contrast, the Sea Eagles have faced challenges on the road, securing only three wins and suffering seven losses away from Brookie.
The contrast between the Bulldogs’ dominance at home and the Sea Eagles’ recent struggles is a compelling story-line. Manly’s confidence may be fragile after their loss to the Tigers, and they will face a stern test against the Bulldogs’ formidable defence. The passionate home crowd could further amplify the pressure on the Sea Eagles.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 28th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The Bulldogs’ defensive prowess has been instrumental in their success this season. Their stingy defence has limited opponents to an average of 16 points per game, the best in the NRL. This could be a close match, and we expect Bulldogs to cover the -4.0 spread which is currently offered at 1.943 by bookmaker Pinnacle.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
Let us guide you through the chaos and direct you to the best sports betting deals of the week. We’ve meticulously selected a collection of enticing wagers for your consideration. Here are our latest expert picks:
- Ruiz to beat Fuchs @ 1.769
- T1 to beat Hanwha Life @ 2.390
- Bilibili to beat Weibo 3-1 @ 3.070
- North Dakota vs. Colorado – Colorado -9.5 @ 1.869
- Temple vs. Oklahoma – Oklahoma -42.0 @ 1.909
- Minnesota to beat North Carolina @ 2.070
- Ajax vs. Jagiellonia Bialystok – three goals to be scored @ 4.210
- Anderlecht vs. Dinamo Minsk – Anderlecht to win to nil @ 1.990
- Servette vs. Chelsea – both teams to score and Chelsea to win @ 2.890
- Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Manly Sea Eagles – Bulldogs -4.0 @ 1.943
Ajax should continue their strong form and pick up a three-goal victory against Jagiellonia, which will reward punters with a sweet four-fold return. Chelsea winning with both teams to score also seems to be an excellent wager to make this week with a substantial reward.
