The upcoming week promises a thrilling wave of sporting action, both in the real and virtual worlds. Counter-Strike’s The International 2024 Grand Final is set to take place on September 15th, and we’ll be bringing you exclusive eSports betting picks for our September 12th-18th preview.
We have plenty to offer to more traditional sports fans as well. We’ll bring you the best betting deals, courtesy of bookmaker Pinnacle, from boxing, rugby league, golf, and football, so you can make some extra cash while enjoying the action on TV.
Best eSports Predictions This Week
The International 2024, also known as TI13, has reached its playoff stages. In this CS2 betting preview, we will focus on two upper bracket semi-final clashes. Additionally, we will discuss the LCK Regional Finals 2024 opener between T1 and DPlus KIA.
Liquid vs. Cloud9 – Liquid -1.5 @ 3.110
A titanic clash between Team Liquid and Cloud9 is set to ignite the semi-finals of The International 2024’s upper bracket. The stakes are incredibly high, as the victor will secure a coveted spot in the grand final, while the vanquished will face the daunting prospect of having no margin for error in their subsequent matches.
Team Liquid kicked off the tournament with a pair of convincing victories over Aurora and beastcoast. However, the formidable Team Spirit proved to be a more challenging obstacle. Despite a valiant effort, Liquid fell short against the Russian powerhouse, securing a 2-0-1 record and a second-place finish in Group D.
With their seeding up for grabs in the Seeding Decider, Liquid faced off against BB Team. In a thrilling best-of-three series, Nisha and his teammates emerged victorious, securing their place at the top of the playoffs bracket. The European squad’s momentum carried them into their first playoff match-up against Xtreme Gaming. A brilliant performance saw Liquid sweep the Chinese team in two maps, earning a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals.
Cloud9 made a strong statement in their debut match, defeating G2.iG with relative ease. Day two of the group stage saw Cloud9 battle it out against Tundra Esports, resulting in a hard-fought draw. However, the team’s momentum continued as they secured a victory over Talon Esports, solidifying their position at the top of Group B.
With their first-place finish, Cloud9 earned the coveted right to choose their opponent for the next stage. Opting for a clash against 1w Team, C9 showcased their dominance once again, sweeping the series in two maps. This victory propelled them to the top grid of the final stage of the tournament. In the quarter-finals, Cloud9’s winning streak continued as they dispatched Aurora with a decisive 2-0 victory.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Cloud9 have had a remarkable campaign so far, but they come across a more experienced Team Liquid team in their next assignment. Liquid have made runner-up runs at BetBoom Dacha 2024 and the Riyadh Masters 2024, so they are more familiar with playing matches of this magnitude.
On top of that, they have beaten Cloud9 in all of their previous three meetings. Bookmaker Pinnacle offers odds of 3.110 for Liquid to cover the -1.5 spread, which represents excellent value for a bet.
Tundra vs. Gaimin Gladiators – Over 2.5 @ 1.884
Tundra vs. Gaimin Gladiators is another TI13 semi-final battle Dota 2 fans have been looking forward to. A third place finish at ESL One Birmingham 2024 and a fourth placed finish at the Riyadh Masters have been the highlight of the season for Tundra so far.
The Gaimin Gladiators, on the other hand, have won the Riyadh Masters this season and finished second at DreamLeague Season 23.
Tundra Esports found themselves drawn into Group B for The International 2024. After an underwhelming draw against Talon Esports on the opening day, Tundra’s struggles continued as they were unable to secure a victory in their matches against Cloud9 and G2.iG. This disappointing string of performances forced the team into a tiebreaker against G2.iG, where they would need to win two maps to secure second place in the group.
In a tense and closely contested series, Tundra managed to overcome G2.iG, securing their second-place finish in the group stage. The team’s fortunes improved in the Seeding Decider, where they convincingly defeated Heroic by a score of 2-0. This victory propelled Tundra into the top playoffs bracket, setting up a quarter-final clash against Team Falcons. In a display of dominance, Tundra emerged victorious in this match-up, winning both maps and securing their place in the semi-finals.
The Gaimin Gladiators kicked off their campaign with a resounding victory over 1w Team, showcasing their early dominance. However, their winning streak was abruptly halted by a defeat against Ledgeil Xtreme Gaming. A draw with Heroic secured GG’s second-place finish in the group, setting the stage for a crucial Seeding Decider match. Seleri and company cruised to victory against G2.ig before seeing off nouns in the quarter-final.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
This is a battle of two teams with incredible legacies. Tundra is a former International winner, while GG came close to lifting the coveted Aegis of Champions last year. It’s difficult to call which way this will go, but we feel more confident in predicting that this series will not end in two maps.
T1 vs. Dplus KIA – T1 -1.5 @ 1.900
The League of Legends competitive season is heating up, and the pinnacle of the year, Worlds 2024, is fast approaching. Before the grandest stage of them all, we must determine the elite teams who will grace the World Championship stage.
A crucial step in this process lies in the LCK Regional Finals 2024, where two coveted spots at Worlds 2024 will be up for grabs. The tournament is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with T1 and DPlus KIA kicking off the action in a highly anticipated showdown.
T1 took a break from their LCK Summer 2024 commitments to embark on a side quest to Riyadh. There, they emerged victorious as champions of the Esports World Cup 2024 and brought home a staggering $1,000,000 in prize money.
Returning to domestic competition, T1 entered the LCK Summer 2024 playoffs from the fourth position in the regular season standings. Their 11-7 record, while respectable, fell short of the lofty expectations associated with a club of T1’s calibre.
Unfortunately, their hopes of a deep playoff run were dashed once again as they had to settle for a top-3 finish in the LCK Summer 2024 season.
Dplus KIA entered the LCK Summer 2024 Playoffs brimming with belief, thanks to their 13-5 regular season record. They kicked off their playoff journey with a convincing 3-1 victory over FearX, but the road ahead would only get tougher.
After three straight victories, Kingen’s men suffered back to back defeats in their last two games. Gen.G dealt them the first blow, before reigning Worlds 2023 champions and their first LCK Regional Finals 2024 opponent, T1 handed them another defeat.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
T1 are the overwhelming favourites in this match, so we’ll explore the handicap markets for a more favourable bet. Backing T1 to cover a -1.5 spread looks a solid option. Bookmaker Pinnacle offers odds of 1.900 for this outcome.
Best Boxing Prediction This Week
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will be back in the ring this weekend for a highly awaited title fight. He’ll take on the rising Puerto Rican star, Edgar Berlanga, in Las Vegas. It should be an exciting fight with even more enticing betting prospects.
Edgar Berlanga vs. Canelo Alvarez – Under 8.5 @ 1.925
Hailing from Mexico, where he’s revered as a national icon, Alvarez’s star has burned brightly for over a decade.
Alvarez boasts an awe-inspiring record of 61 wins, two losses, and two draws, with a staggering 39 victories coming by way of knockout. His devastating power, combined with his impeccable technique and tactical acumen, has made him a nightmare for opponents across multiple weight divisions.
The 34-year-old has faced and conquered some of the greatest fighters of his generation, including the fearsome Gennady Golovkin, the elusive Billy Joe Saunders, and the resilient Daniel Jacobs.
Berlanga’s most recent bout against the seasoned Belfast veteran, Padraig McCrory, revealed a darker side to the Puerto Rican’s fighting style. In a display of unsporting behaviour, Berlanga resorted to dirty tactics, elbowing McCrory and landing several low blows.
While the referee failed to punish these infractions, Berlanga’s actions left a bitter taste in the mouths of many spectators, who were appalled by his disregard for fair play.
Despite his unsavoury tactics, Berlanga’s superior skill ultimately prevailed, as he dominated McCrory and secured a knockout victory in the sixth round. Initially, Berlanga’s cautious approach was a clear indication of his respect for McCrory’s power.
However, facing Canelo Alvarez, a renowned knockout artist, Berlanga may need to adopt a more aggressive strategy. It will be a fascinating test to see if he can maintain his composure and unleash his full arsenal against one of the sport’s hardest hitters.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Both fighters are notorious for their devastating power, so whichever way this goes, we don’t think this fight lasts the distance. We expect a knockout to occur before the eighth round. Bookmaker Pinnacle offers identical odds for Over and Under markets, but we’re leaning towards the Under option.
Best Golf Predictions This Week
The PGA Tour returns to action this week with the PGA Procore Championship, following a brief hiatus. Over in Northern Ireland, the DP Tour is all set for the Amgen Irish Open. We’ll preview both tournaments and highlight our top betting picks.
Matteo Manassero to Win @ 56.450
We’re placing our bets on Matteo Manassero, whose odds have lengthened considerably following a missed cut at the Omega European Masters. This presents us with a potentially lucrative opportunity, as Manassero’s recent form suggests he’s capable of much better.
Before his recent slip-up, Manassero had been on a roll, building upon his impressive victory in South Africa. He’d racked up four top-10 finishes and a string of consistent performances, including a respectable mid-pack finish at The Open Championship and a 15th-place finish at The Renaissance just a week earlier.
The Italian’s affinity for links golf dates back to his amateur days, when he secured a commendable 13th-place finish at Turnberry. His impressive resume on these challenging courses includes two top-five finishes in the Scottish Open and a respectable 19th-place showing in The Open Championship at Hoylake. Moreover, Manassero’s exceptional ability to handle windy conditions gives him a distinct advantage on these links layouts.
His crisp iron play is another key strength, and his proficiency around the green is evident in his current ranking of fifth in strokes-gained around-the-green for the season. These attributes combine to make Manassero a formidable force on the links and a compelling betting option for the Amgen Irish Open.
Manassero’s missed cut at this event in 2015 is a distant memory, as it marked the beginning of a 16-tournament slump that saw his world ranking plummet. However, this year has been a different story. While he’s maintained a consistent presence on the course, with few missed cuts, his recent performances have been particularly impressive.
Following a brief respite from competition, Manassero returned with a vengeance, securing a fifth-place finish in India and a seventh-place finish at the KLM Open. Notably, he entered the final round of both tournaments with a realistic chance of victory.
His recent performance at Glendower further solidified this belief, as he showcased his finishing skills and proved that he’s still capable of contending at the highest level.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Manassero’s recent form has been encouraging, with a top-10 finish at the Belfry just two weeks ago and a solid performance at the Olympic Games. Given his consistent level of play, it’s highly unlikely that his game has significantly deteriorated over the past week. We can expect Manassero to continue his strong performances and be a contender at the Amgen Irish Open.
Patrick Rodgers to Win @ 27.290
A clear trend has developed at the Procore Championship, where players with strong ties to California and a proven track record at the Silverado Resort have consistently excelled. In recent years, Sahith Theegala and Max Homa, both hailing from California, have secured victories at this venue, underscoring the effectiveness of this winning combination.
If you analyse the Procore Championship 2024 field based on this criteria, Patrick Rodgers is the name that will stand out.
While form can be a fickle beast at the start of a new season, especially given golf’s absurdly short off-season, we’re not dismissing the promising late-summer run Rodgers exhibited before wrapping up his previous campaign.
He concluded the season on a hot streak, securing six consecutive top-40 finishes. His consistent driving and short game were instrumental in these solid results, and he also showcased flashes of brilliance with his approach play, particularly at the 3M Open and FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Rodgers may still be searching for his maiden PGA TOUR victory, but his consistent performances on California’s familiar courses suggest that a breakthrough is imminent. He came agonisingly close to claiming his first title at the Barracuda Championship last season, ultimately falling short in a playoff against Akshay Bhatia.
The Stanford alumnus’ impressive record at this event, with two top-6 finishes in nine appearances, further highlights his affinity for the Silverado Resort layout. His familiarity with the course and his strong performances in the past make him a compelling contender for the Procore Championship title.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Rodgers is well-positioned for success at the Procore Championship, with his impressive form, strong course history, and California connection aligning perfectly. Given the relatively weaker field in the FedEx Fall series, this presents an ideal opportunity for Rodgers to break through and secure his first-ever PGA TOUR victory.
Best Rugby League Predictions This Week
The NRL finals are finally here, so we will look at some of the first week’s action. We have highlighted two matches for this week’s betting preview.
Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney Roosters – Panthers -6.0 @ 1.833
Defending champions Panthers begin their Finals mission with a stern examination on Friday night as they welcome the formidable Roosters to BlueBet Stadium.
This marks a bittersweet occasion, as it will be the final match played at the historic venue before it undergoes a complete demolition and reconstruction. The Panthers will be eager to leave a lasting legacy at BlueBet Stadium while simultaneously asserting their dominance against a fierce Roosters side.
Having secured their primary objective of finishing in the top two and earning the coveted double chance and home final advantage, Panthers are now laser-focused on a more ambitious goal: becoming the first team since the legendary Dragons of the 50s and 60s to achieve a historic four-peat of premierships.
A significant portion of the pre-match discussion will centre around the status of superstar playmaker Nathan Cleary. Having been sidelined for the past three games due to a shoulder injury, Cleary’s potential return will be a major talking point.
There is a possibility that the Panthers may err on the side of caution and hold him back for one more game to ensure his full recovery, but his presence on the field would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the team’s chances of victory.
When it comes to big-game performers, the Roosters are truly spoiled for choice. James Tedesco, Joey Manu, Luke Keary, and Angus Crichton are all seasoned veterans who have consistently delivered in high-pressure situations.
These exceptional talents will be instrumental in guiding the Roosters as they strive to break their losing streak at BlueBet Stadium, which stretches back to 2017.
Daniel Tupou, Luke Keary, and Joey Manu are the only surviving members of the Roosters side that won away at Panthers seven years ago.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
As mentioned above, Roosters have a wealth of quality across the pitch. That said, we cannot overlook Penrith’s strong home record against their Friday night guests. On top of that, Trent Robinson’s troops did not manage more than three wins against the top eight teams this season. This should be a battle to behold, but the Panthers should be able to edge out.
Given the Panthers’ recent dominance and the Roosters’ struggles at BlueBet Stadium, we’re taking a punt on the Panthers to cover a -6.0 spread at the enticing odds of 1.833 offered by bookmaker Pinnacle.
Melbourne Storm vs. Cronulla Sharks – Under 45.5 @ 1.925
For the third consecutive season, the Storm and Sharks find themselves locked in a thrilling September showdown. However, this will be the first finals meeting between the two sides in a whopping six years.
The Storm and Sharks have only squared off once in 2024, with the Sharks emerging victorious in a closely contested match by a score of 25-18 in round 10. This victory holds significant weight, as the Sharks are one of only two teams to have conquered the formidable AAMI Park fortress this season.
The Storm will receive a significant boost with the expected return of fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen from a leg injury. His presence on the field will undoubtedly elevate the home side’s attacking prowess. Meanwhile, the Sharks will welcome back prop Oregon Kaufusi, who was rested during their impressive victory over Manly on Sunday.
The winner will be just one game away from the ultimate prize, while the loser will have to regroup and face the daunting task of playing the victor of the Cowboys-Knights match-up.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The Sharks have a remarkable defensive record on the road, with seven of their last eight away matches finishing below the total match points line. Their previous encounter with the Storm was also a low-scoring affair, producing a combined total of just 43 points.
Based on these trends, it’s reasonable to anticipate another defensively focused match between these two teams, with a low-scoring outcome.
Best Football Predictions This Week
The Premier League returns with a mouthwatering set of fixtures following the international break. Our football betting picks for this week feature two Premier League matches.
Southampton vs. Manchester United – Under 2.5 Goals Scored @ 2.360
Southampton’s return to the Premier League has been a challenging one, as they remain win-less in their first three outings. Their upcoming clash against Manchester United is unlikely to provide much respite, even though the Red Devils themselves have been struggling.
Manchester United have suffered back-to-back defeats, and the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag is intensifying. Both teams are in desperate need of a positive result, making this a pivotal match for all parties involved.
The pressure will undoubtedly be higher on the Mancunians as they have failed to impress thus far, despite making significant investments in the market. The ghosts of last season still seem to be haunting the Premier League titans, but this could be the perfect match for them to exorcise their demons.
Russell Martin has found plenty of positives in Southampton’s early-season performances, but the fact remains that they’re still chasing their first points. Not a lot of people will be expecting them to stop Man United, however, and that can play in their favour.
Southampton can play freely against Manchester United and aim to give them a real run for their money. However, their low confidence levels will need to be addressed if they hope to upset the Red Devils.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Despite United’s emphatic 9-0 victory under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, this fixture has generally been low-scoring, with four of the last five encounters averaging fewer than 2.5 goals. Manchester United’s attacking prowess has been somewhat muted this season, so backing Under 2.5 at Pinnacle’s odds of 2.360 looks like a sensible bet.
Fulham vs. West Ham United – Fulham to Win @ 2.460
The battle for London supremacy will rage on as Fulham and West Ham lock horns at Craven Cottage this weekend. The stakes are high, as both teams will be eager to claim bragging rights over their cross-city rivals.
Fulham’s return to the Premier League after their promotion from the Championship has been a mixed bag. They opened the season with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Manchester United, and their most recent outing before the international break saw them settle for a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town.
While Fulham have shown glimpses of their potential, they have also struggled for consistency. Since last season, they have managed to win only three of their previous 13 Premier League matches, highlighting the challenges they face in the top flight.
West Ham have embarked on a new chapter under the leadership of Julen Lopetegui this summer, with European qualification their ultimate goal. However, a recent 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City has served as a stark reminder of the defensive improvements needed.
Despite a notable 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace last month, West Ham have struggled to keep clean sheets since January. The Hammers’ opening-day loss to Aston Villa highlighted the challenges they face, and their trip to Fulham on Saturday promises to be another tough test.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 11th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
This should be a closely contested match between two teams that have had mixed starts to the season. While it’s a toss-up, we’re backing Fulham for a narrow victory. After an opening-day loss to Manchester United, Fulham have gone unbeaten in their last three matches. Also, they did not lose to the Hammers in their last two meetings.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
It was quite a lengthy read, here’s a reminder of the best sports betting prospects for this week:
- Liquid vs. Cloud9 – Liquid -1.5 @ 3.110
- Tundra vs. Gaimin Gladiators – over 2.5 @ 1.884
- T1 vs. Dplus KIA – T1 -1.5 @ 1.900
- Edgar Berlanga vs. Canelo Alvarez – under 8.5 @ 1.925
- Matteo Manassero to win @ 56.450
- Patrick Rodgers to win @ 27.290
- Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney Roosters – Panthers -6.0 @ 1.833
- Melbourne Storm vs. Cronulla Sharks – Under 45.5 @ 1.925
- Southampton vs. Manchester United – under 2.5 goals scored @ 2.360
- Fulham vs. West Ham United – Fulham to win @ 2.460
As always, our golf picks offer the most lucrative returns. Matteo Manassero does appear to be a long shot at the Irish Open, but his profile convinces us that he can be a legitimate title contender at Royal County Down.
