This week, we have a diverse spread of sports bets for all you punters looking for the best bets. We have analysed cricket, football, boxing, NRL and UFC matchups to find the most valuable bets, with 10 of these outlined for your betting pleasure.
This time, we’ve used bookmaker William Hill to access odds from a wide range of markets. Regardless of your betting preferences or sport of choice, read on, as there should be something for everyone below.
Best Cricket Predictions This Week
New Zealand will meet Sri Lanka in the second Test of their bilateral series on Friday, a day before Bangladesh and India meet in Kanpur for their sophomore Test. Here are the best bets to place on these matches:
Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand – Prabath Jayasuriya Top Sri Lanka Bowler @ 2.10
Sri Lanka are eyeing another red ball series win on home soil as the New Zealanders seek to bounce back in the second Test. After a thrilling comeback victory in the opener, which also took place in Galle, the spirits should be sky high in the Lankan camp. The Kiwis, however, will be keen to rectify their missed opportunities and salvage something from their tour before departing Sri Lankan shores.
Sri Lanka have had a year of fluctuating fortunes so far. A disastrous T20 World Cup campaign quickly overshadowed early victories against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. However, the Lions roared back with a resounding ODI series win over India on home soil. Even in England, where they faced the threat of a humiliating defeat, a stunning performance in the final Test ensured they entered this home series with their spirits soaring.
Dhananjaya de Silva and his troops will be happy with their impressive performance in the previous match. Although they appeared lacklustre with the ball in the first innings, they staged a remarkable recovery over the final two days. With a strong track record at this venue, de Silva is anticipating another spirited display from his team.
New Zealand have been relatively inactive in Test cricket this year. Their scheduled Test against Afghanistan earlier this month was cancelled due to inclement weather, making the most recent Test against Sri Lanka their first red-ball encounter since being swept by their trans-Tasman rivals Australia in March.
Tim Southee and his team appeared to have the upper hand after establishing a handy first-innings lead. However, a catastrophic batting collapse in the second innings proved to be their undoing, ultimately costing them the match.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Prabath Jayasuriya is the undisputed king of Galle. In his seven home Tests at this venue, he has claimed a mind-boggling 62 wickets in just 14 innings. Half of those innings have yielded five wickets or more, and only once has he failed to strike thrice. The leg spinner claimed nine wickets in the last Test, and we expect him to excel once again.
Bookmaker William Hill has set the odds at 2.10 for Jayasuriya to be Sri Lanka’s top bowler once again. It’s a solid return, especially given the high probability of him delivering another standout performance.
India vs. Bangladesh 1st Innings – Mominul Haque to Score a 50 @ 4.33
A high-flying Bangladesh received a harsh reality check in their first Test against India in Chennai. The Tigers were brimming with confidence following a historic Test series win against Pakistan, but their fortunes took a turn for the worse after coming to the other side of the Radcliffe Line.
Bangladesh did have a promising start, however, as they sent the first six Indian batters to the pavilion with only 144 runs on the board. However, India regained control of the match afterwards and ended up winning by 280 runs with a day to spare.
The Indians, who played their first Test in six months, showed early signs of rustiness. Regardless, they showed once again why they are at the top of the World Test Championship standings by extending their invincible streak against their eastern neighbours to 14 Tests.
Despite the early collapse, India managed to accumulate a commendable 376 runs, thanks to Ravichandran Ashwin’s late knock of 113 runs. In response, Bangladesh could only score a meagre 149 in their first innings. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with four wickets, while other Indian bowlers also made life difficult for Bangladeshi batsmen at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium pitch.
India collected a quickfire 287 runs to throw a daunting 515 runs target to Bangladesh. Nazmul Hasan Shanto’s men could only amass 234 runs in their final innings, losing their final six wickets for 40 runs only.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
While we expect India to pull off a clean sweep, we also think that Bangladesh will show more resilience in Kanpur. They would be looking to improve their batting performance, in particular, and Mominul Haque could play a vital role.
The middle-order batsman has often been lauded as one of Bangladesh’s best batsmen in Test cricket. Mominul could not shine with the bat in Chennai, but his 2024 record makes us believe he will be able to put on a better show in the second Test.
Mominul Haq has already notched up three half-centuries this year, including two against Sri Lanka and one in the recent series against Pakistan. Given his current form, we’re confident he’ll make another fifty in the first innings against India. If you’re feeling the same, consider taking advantage of William Hill‘s generous odds of 4.33 for Haq to reach fifty in the first innings.
Best Boxing Predictions This Week
Boxing fans are in for a treat this week, with several high-profile match-ups on the cards. We’ll be exploring these fights to spot the best betting opportunities, and we’ll kick things off with Sandy Ryan’s WBO welterweight title defence against Mikaela Mayer.
Sandy Ryan vs. Mikaela Mayer – Mayer to Win @ 2.00
The Queen of the WBO Welterweights, Sandy Ryan, faces her toughest test yet as she locks horns with the American powerhouse, Mikaela Mayer at the Madison Square Garden Theater on Friday, September 27.
The stakes have never been higher for the two fighters. Ryan craves a marquee victory to elevate her profile. Mayer, on the other hand, needs a high-profile scalp and a belt to solidify her status as a top contender.
Ryan’s recent victory over Terri Harper was a statement win, but the lingering memory of her draw with Jessica McCaskill serves as a constant reminder that there’s always room for improvement.
For Mayer, this fight represents an opportunity to etch her name alongside the boxing elite and prove that she belongs on the world stage. Her welterweight debut didn’t go as planned, however, as she fell short against the reigning IBF champion, Natasha Jonas.
While losing to one of the best fighters in the world is no disgrace, the split decision defeat undoubtedly set Mayer back in her quest for another world title. The Olympian’s previous loss to Alycia Baumgardner, also by split decision, was a bitter pill to swallow as she relinquished her WBO and IBF lightweight belts.
Ryan stands at the pinnacle of her career, fresh off a career-defining victory, but she has a daunting challenge ahead of her. Mayer’s battle-hardened experience might give her an edge, but Ryan’s youth and relative freshness could play a factor. It’s a clash of generations, a battle of wills, and a fight that promises to be a classic.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Mayer has our vote in this one. While Ryan is a formidable fighter, Mayer’s class is undeniable. She’s the kind of fighter you see once in a generation. Even in her losses, she’s often been the victim of questionable judging. With a sympathetic crowd behind her, Mayer could just edge this one. Bookmaker William Hill prices a Mayer win at 2.00, which seems quite lucrative.
Damian Sosa vs. Xander Zayas – Zayas KO @ 2.50
The undefeated Puerto Rican phenom, Xander Zayas, is set to clash with Mexico’s Damian Sosa in a thrilling 10-round junior middleweight showdown at the iconic Madison Square Garden on Friday, September 27th. This explosive match-up promises fireworks as two of the division’s rising stars collide in the Big Apple.
Zayas, the reigning NABA and WBO NABO Super Welterweight champion, last stepped into the ring in June, where he dominated former world champion Patrick Teixeira for a 10-round unanimous decision victory. Sosa, on the other hand, secured a hard-fought split decision win over Marques Valle in his most recent bout in April.
Sosa comes into this fight with a record of 25-2 and 12 knockouts. Standing at 5-foot-9-inches with a 71.5-inch reach, Sosa possesses average power but has proven his durability, going the distance in five of his last six fights. His lone defeat came in 2019 against Artem Oganesyan, a unanimous decision loss in a bid for the vacant WBO Youth Super Welterweight Title.
Sosa’s second defeat came in April 2023 against Ivan Alvarez, a unanimous decision loss over 10 rounds. Prior to that, he had enjoyed a successful run, capturing the vacant WBO Latino Super Welterweight Title with a split decision victory over Abel Mina in 2021.
He defended the title the following year with a devastating third-round knockout over Jesus Vega Villaman. Sosa’s impressive CV also includes victories over Dante Jardon, Juan Ruiz, Ronald Cruz, Clay Collard, and Israel Ornelas.
With a spotless record of 19-0 and 12 knockouts, Zayas has amassed an impressive 81 rounds of professional experience since his debut in 2019. The Florida based fighter has shown his devastating power with a 63.2% knockout ratio. He has managed to end five of his last 10 opponents before the final bell rang, including two of his most recent foes.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Sosa is a steady performer with a solid chin but lacks the X-factor. Zayas, on the other hand, is a rising star destined for greatness. His victory over Teixeira last June was a significant step forward, proving he can compete with top-level fighters. As long as he’s prepared to put in the hard yards, Zayas should have the class to outshine Sosa. We’re backing Zayas for a knockout win in this one, and bookmaker William Hill is offering attractive odds of 2.50.
Rhiannon Dixon vs. Terri Harper – Harper to Win @ 3.50
The highly anticipated showdown between Rhiannon Dixon and Terri Harper is set to ignite the ring in Sheffield on Saturday, September 28th. Originally scheduled for August but postponed due to an injury to Jack Catterall, the duo will now headline their own event at the Park Community Arena this weekend.
The all-English battle will see Dixon putting her recently won WBO lightweight champion belt on the line for the first time. Harper, a two time world champion, will be eager to leverage her ring savvy to dethrone Dixon.
The undefeated Dixon, a rising star with a perfect 10-0 record and one knockout, has steadily climbed the ranks of professional boxing. After stepping up to the 10-round level, she showcased her dominance with a stunning sixth-round stoppage of Vicky Wilkinson to claim the Commonwealth title in March of last year.
Just six months later, the Warrington southpaw continued her meteoric rise by capturing the vacant European title with a dominant performance against Katharina Thanderz. Her victory earned her a well-deserved shot at the world title in April.
Dixon’s ascent to the top continued with a commanding performance against Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in April. She not only captured the vacant WBO title but also sent Carabajal to the canvas.
The 29-year-old’s maiden title defence comes against the seasoned and fan-favourite Harper (14-2-2, 6 KOs), whose career has hit a roadblock after a promising beginning. ‘Belter’ held both the WBC and IBO super featherweight titles but suffered a stunning fourth-round knockout defeat to Alycia Baumgardner in November 2021.
Harper made a bold move up to super welterweight, capturing the IBO world title from Hannah Rankin. However, her momentum stalled after a draw with Cecilia Braekhus for the vacant WBO belt. The Yorkshire native then dropped back down to welterweight, only to retire after a tough four-round battle against Sandy Ryan for the WBO world title.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
We think Harper’s power and experience give her a clear edge over Dixon, and she’s faced tougher opponents throughout her career. However, her weight has been a bit erratic, fluctuating between lightweight, welterweight, and junior middleweight in her recent fights.
Despite being only 27, Harper needs to turn her career around after a win-less streak in her last two outings and a 3-3 record in her past six fights. Dixon will have to rely on her boxing skills to overcome Harper’s power, but we believe Harper will ultimately prevail. So, we’re taking a punt on an upset win at 3.50 odds with William Hill.
Best Rugby League Predictions This Week
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The NRL Finals will continue with two mouthwatering preliminary finals clashes. We will dissect them both to discover the best bets.
Storm vs. Roosters – Under 44.5 Points @ 2.00
A titanic clash between two of the modern era’s most dominant forces awaits us as Storm and Roosters prepare to battle it out in a high-stakes encounter. Only one of these two will advance to the grand finale on October 6th at Accor Arena.
The Storm, five-time grand finalists in the past nine years, are hungry for more glory. Meanwhile, the Roosters, aiming to break their grand final drought that stretches back to their consecutive titles in 2018-19, are determined to reclaim their throne.
Last year’s semi-final between these two sides at AAMI Park was a heart-stopping affair, decided by a breathtaking try from Will Warbrick in the dying minutes. The Storm edged out the Roosters 18-13, and the towering Kiwi winger will once again be a key figure in their attacking arsenal.
The Melbourne outfit have arguably been the dominant force in the league this season, solidifying their status with a convincing victory over the Cronulla Sharks in the qualifying final. The extra week of rest they earned could prove valuable as they prepare for this crucial clash.
The Roosters, on the other hand, faced a daunting path to the grand final after a tough loss to the Panthers in the qualifying final. However, they navigated the treacherous waters of the semi-final against the Manly Sea Eagles with remarkable ease, securing a comfortable 24-point victory.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Despite their impressive scoring attacks, we anticipate a tight, low-scoring encounter between the Roosters and the Storm. In their five previous clashes, only one game has produced 46 points or more. We are going for under 44.5 points to be scored in this tie, priced at 2.00 by bookmaker William Hill.
Panthers vs. Sharks – Over 42.5 Points @ 1.83
The Sharks finally shattered their finals curse, defeating the Cowboys. Now, they face the daunting task of elevating their game to the next level and stop the defending champions from reaching back-to-back NRL grand finals.
Braydon Trindall delivered one of the standout performances of his career, leading the Sharks to a 26-18 victory and securing their first preliminary final berth since 2018, when they were eliminated by the Storm.
The Sharks’ halves, Trindall and Hynes, will need to rise to the occasion and outshine their counterparts, Cleary and Luai, if they hope to keep alive the dream of a second premiership, echoing their 2016 glory.
The Panthers, a dynasty in the making with five consecutive preliminary final appearances, are in prime form. Cleary, rejuvenated by his recent clash with the Roosters, and the returning Scott Sorensen are poised to lead the Panthers to another grand final.
Driven by the allure of a historic fourth consecutive premiership, the Panthers are determined to send their departing stars, Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris, and Sunia Turuva, off on a winning note.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Despite their reputation as the league’s most formidable defence, the Panthers are likely to be involved in a high-scoring affair this weekend. Penrith’s potent attack, showcased by their 30-point haul last week, is expected to continue its form.
The Sharks’ formidable duo, Sione Katoa and Ronaldo Mulitalo, with 16 and 17 tries respectively, will pose a significant threat to the Panthers’ backline. Therefore, we are backing over 42.5 points to be scored in this match. Bookmaker William Hill offers a price of 1.83 for this outcome.
Best Football Predictions This Week
Before the domestic leagues resume on the weekend, we have some midweek football fixtures. Let’s see which of them appear most appealing from a betting perspective:
Tottenham vs. Qarabag – Tottenham to Win to Nil @ 1.91
Tottenham Hotspur’s European adventure continues on Thursday as they host Azeri champions Qarabag FK at their North London fortress. Ange Postecoglou will be breathing a sigh of relief after avoiding a gruelling journey to Azerbaijan, as a home draw against Qarabag offers a more manageable start to their Europa League campaign.
Tottenham’s start to the season has been underwhelming, to say the least. They find themselves mired in mid-table after five Premier League matches, having struggled to make a dent against top-tier opponents. While they’ve comfortably dispatched Everton and Brentford at home, tougher challenges have proven elusive.
Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten streak last season has been the talking point in Europe, but a few would remember that Qarabag came the closest to ending that run before the Europa League final. The Azeri side twice held a 2-0 lead in their last-16 tie, even leading in the 93rd minute of the second leg, before Leverkusen snatched a dramatic late equaliser.
Qarabag have made a flying start to September, winning all three of their matches to reclaim top spot after a disappointing August. Qurban Qurbanov’s side, however, will expect a sterner challenge against Spurs since they have lost to English opponents in six out of 10 attempts.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Despite potential squad rotations, Tottenham should have ample firepower to secure a comfortable victory in their Europa League opener against Qarabag. The Azeri side has a dismal record against English clubs, with six losses in six attempts, and there’s little reason to believe they can turn the tide. We’re backing Tottenham for a clean sheet win.
Malmo vs. Rangers – Draw @ 3.40
Rangers kick off their Europa League adventure with a trip to Sweden to face Allsvenskan leaders Malmo on Thursday. Philippe Clement’s side are eager to make a statement on the continental stage after a sluggish start to the domestic season.
Both Rangers and Malmo fell short in their bids for Champions League glory, losing in the qualifying rounds. However, Malmo have bounced back impressively since their playoff elimination. Under the guidance of Henrik Rydstrom, they’re dominating the Allsvenskan and have maintained a clean sheet in their last four league matches, dating back to their August defeat against Sparta Prague.
Rangers’ season took a nightmare turn with a humiliating 3-0 defeat in the first Old Firm derby. Five points adrift of Celtic and having also dropped points against Hearts, Rangers find themselves in a precarious position.
The Europa League, however, has been a source of immense pride for the Gers in recent years. They reached the Europa League final in 2022 and narrowly missed out on a place in the last eight last season, falling to Benfica by a solitary goal.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Rangers’ European history against Swedish teams is a tale of woe, with six defeats in six attempts, including four against Malmo. Their struggles on the road could further complicate matters in this fixture.
Malmo, cruising towards the Swedish title, can now shift their focus to European competition. This match offers them a prime opportunity to make a statement against a top-tier opponent. However, we believe a draw is the safest result to back in this tie, with bookmaker William Hill offering a juicy 3.40x return.
Best UFC Prediction This Week
The UFC returns to Paris for the third consecutive September on Saturday, delivering a stacked card featuring a host of French fighters in pivotal match-ups. We will analyse the main card bout between Renato Moicano and Benoit Saint Denis for our betting preview.
Renato Moicano vs. Benoit Saint Denis – Benoit by Submission @ 5.00
The Accor Arena in Paris will host UFC Fight Night, featuring a thrilling lightweight showdown between Renato Moicano and Benoit Saint-Denis.
The 35-year-old Moicano, a 5’11” fighter weighing 156 lbs, has made his mark in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions since turning pro in 2010. A skilled grappler with a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Alex Leleco and a Muay Thai black belt, Moicano is a formidable opponent.
Moicano, a 19-5-1 fighter with 11 UFC wins, enters Saturday’s bout on a three-fight winning streak, including a dominant TKO victory over Jalin Turner. The Brazilian has a proven record, having won eight of his nine fights before joining the UFC.
The ‘God of War,’ Benoit Saint-Denis, steps into the cage for the 17th time in his professional career on Saturday. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 155 lbs, Saint-Denis has competed across multiple weight classes, including lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, and middleweight.
A brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in judo, Saint-Denis leverages his 73-inch reach to dominate his opponents.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
While both fighters boast impressive careers, Benoit Saint-Denis holds a clear advantage. The younger and more powerful Saint-Denis is a relentless finisher, always hunting for the knockout or submission.
Expect him to take control of the fight, wearing down Moicano and eventually securing a submission victory. Back Saint-Denis to cash in on the generous odds and emerge victorious in Paris.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
Let’s have a look at the best sporting bets of the week once again before we wrap up. They are as follows:
- Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand – Prabath Jayasuriya top Sri Lanka bowler @ 2.10
- India vs. Bangladesh 1st innings – Mominul Haque to score a 50 @ 4.33
- Sandy Ryan vs. Mikaela Mayer – Mayer to win @ 2.00
- Damian Sosa vs. Xander Zayas – Zayas KO @ 2.50
- Rhiannon Dixon vs. Terri Harper – Harper to win @ 3.50
- Panthers vs. Sharks – over 42.5 points @ 1.83
- Storm vs. Roosters – under 44.5 points @ 2.00
- Tottenham vs. Qarabag – Tottenham to win to nil @ 1.91
- Malmo vs. Rangers – draw @ 3.40
- Renato Moicano vs. Benoit Saint Denis – Benoit by submission @ 5.00
We think the cricket bets this week offer excellent value with relatively low risk levels. Backing a Benoit submission win against Moicano looks also promising.
