Those eager to do some betting this week are in luck. The new look UEFA Champions League has started this week with an extended number of teams and matches. We will analyse the best Champions League bets in our weekly betting preview.
We will also look at the first ODI between England and Australia, before breaking down three high-profile boxing bouts. To round out our weekly betting coverage, we’ll explore some of the best betting opportunities this week in the NRL and NFL. This week, we have teamed up with bet365 for our comprehensive betting preview.
Best Cricket Prediction This Week
After a T20I series between the two sides ended undecided, Australia and England will renew their rivalry in the 50 over format this week. The first match of the five match series takes place at Trent Bridge on September 19, so let’s have a look at the best potential wager for this tie.
England vs. Australia – Australia (-3.5 Wickets/-12.5 Runs) @ 1.90
The British autumn has been showing its wet and windy nature, but that has done little to dampen enthusiasm around this England vs. Australia ODI series. Both teams will hope for better weather in Nottinghamshire for the series opener after their final T20I at Old Trafford got washed out without a single ball being bowled.
Like a baton passed between Olympic runners, England’s captaincy has been changing hands with remarkable frequency this summer. The latest in this musical chairs scenario is the absence of Jos Buttler due to injury, which has paved the way for Harry Brook to take the helm for this series. This follows Ollie Pope’s stint as Test captain in the wake of Ben Stokes’ hamstring setback and Phil Salt’s temporary leadership role in the recent T20I matches.
While Brook’s Test and T20I record has been decent, his ODI record has been somewhat less illustrious. Averaging under 30 in this format, the Yorkshireman has faced questions about his suitability for the 50-over game. With the added responsibility of leading England against Australia in a five-match ODI series, Brook will undoubtedly be under intense scrutiny.
Australia will field a formidable team for this ODI series, led by the capable Mitchell Marsh. With the exception of perhaps Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, the tourists have assembled a squad that closely resembles their first-choice XI. Having already enjoyed a successful tour of the UK, winning four out of six matches, the Australians have the luxury of reinforcing their ranks with some of their top dogs.
The arrival of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Alex Carey has bolstered the Aussie batting lineup. On the bowling front, Mitchell Starc’s fiery pace and wicket-taking prowess will be a key asset. And let’s not forget the all-round brilliance of Glenn Maxwell, whose world-class skills can elevate any white-ball team to new heights.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Australia will be aiming for their 13th consecutive ODI victory as they take to the field for this match. They’ve also triumphed over England in each of their last five encounters in this format. With that in mind, we’re backing Australia to cover the -3.5 wickets or -12.5 runs spread offered by bookmaker bet365, which would yield a 1.9x return for punters.
Best Boxing Predictions This Week
Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois are set to treat fans to a British boxing spectacle on September 21st. But, that’s not the only fight we have in our betting preview this week.
Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua – Joshua KO @ 3.75
A mere victory away from making history as a three-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua faces a stern test in his upcoming bout. The Watford warrior must navigate past Daniel Dubois, the reigning IBF heavyweight titleholder, to reclaim his crown. This clash of titans promises to be a thrilling spectacle, as Joshua seeks to reassert his dominance in the heavyweight division.
Daniel Dubois enters the ring with an impressive 23-fight record, suffering only two defeats in his career. His knockout power is legendary, with just one of his 21 victories ending without a stoppage. Since his loss to Oleksandr Usyk last year, Dubois has roared back to form, winning his last two fights, including a triumphant capture of the IBF heavyweight title.
Usyk also haunted the mighty AJ as the Ukrainian picked up back-to-back wins against the 34-year-old, putting a question mark over his future in the division. Joshua, however, has recovered remarkably since then with four straight wins. He now has won 28 fights in his 31-bout career, with 25 of them coming via knockouts.
While Dubois will be putting up the title defence at Wembley, it’s Joshua who is the overwhelming favourite in this battle.
The former unified world champion, who continues to reign supreme at the highest level of boxing, possesses a formidable physique. Standing at 6’6″ with a reach that extends nearly seven feet, he holds an advantage over Dubois in terms of size. His exceptional agility and upper body movement could prove crucial in countering any early aggression from his opponent.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Under the tutelage of Ben Davison, Joshua has undergone a remarkable transformation. The once-dominant heavyweight champion has rediscovered his swagger and fearsome knockout power. With a strategic approach, Joshua has been carefully selecting his targets and exploiting his opponents’ vulnerabilities through surgical precision.
In his last fight against Flip Hrgovic, Dubois was on the receiving end of some solid right handed punches. Joshua undoubtedly took note of this and will be looking to take advantage of similar opportunities with greater efficiency. The Englishman is a fiercer puncher than Hrgovic, so we believe he will be able to knock out Dubois long before the fight goes the distance.
Josh Warrington vs. Anthony Cacace – Fight Not to Go the Distance @ 2.10
Josh Warrington returns to the ring this weekend in a highly anticipated showdown against Anthony Cacace at the iconic Wembley Stadium. The former two-time world champion has his sights set on Cacace’s IBF super-featherweight title, which the Irishman had claimed from Joe Cordina in May.
The IBF won’t let Warrington fight for the title, however, because he hasn’t fought much at 130 pounds and lost his last match. Cacace was incredible when he beat Cordina, and he will be eager to keep hold of his belt. Even though Warrington won’t be able to claim the belt if he wins, the title will go vacant, meaning Cacace is stepping into a no-win situation.
A year has passed since Josh Warrington’s defeat to Leigh Wood, leaving a lingering doubt about his ability to compete at the highest level of the sport.
The Leeds native is eager to silence his critics and prove his worthiness for a title shot against Anthony Cacace. Warrington will need to deliver a convincing performance to dispel any lingering concerns and solidify his position as a top contender in the super-featherweight division.
Having surprised many by capturing the IBF belt earlier this year, Cacace enters this bout with renewed confidence, poised for another big win under the bright Wembley lights. He has a great record of 22 wins and only one loss, with eight knockouts. Cacace has fought 152 rounds since he started boxing as a pro in 2012 after being an amateur boxer.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Though Cacace isn’t renowned for his knockout ability, we don’t expect this fight to go the full distance. Warrington hasn’t been in top form recently, and we don’t see him shaking off the ring rust enough to last the full bout against Cacace.
A Warrington victory seems highly unlikely, but if he does pull it off, it would likely come from a sudden flash of brilliance. Therefore, regardless of how the fight concludes, we believe it will end in a knockout. That’s why we’re taking bookmaker bet365’s offer of the fight not going the distance at odds of 2.10.
Willy Hutchinson vs. Joshua Buatsi – Buatsi KO/TKO/DQ @ 2.37
A clash of titans awaits in London this Saturday as the undefeated Ghanaian powerhouse, Joshua Buatsi, faces off against the Scottish battler, Willy Hutchinson, for the coveted WBO interim light heavyweight title.
The London-based Buatsi last graced the ring in February, where he dominated Dan Azeez in a unanimous 12-round decision to secure the British and Commonwealth titles and advance to the WBA eliminator. Hutchinson, meanwhile, laced up his gloves in June, earning a unanimous victory over Craig Richards to claim the vacant WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Crown.
The undefeated Buatsi boasts an impressive 18-0 record, punctuated by a devastating knockout ratio of 72.2%. While his recent fights have gone the distance, there’s no denying his potent punching power.
Five years younger than Butasi, Hutchinson boasts a stellar amateur record highlighted by gold medals at both the European Junior Championships (2014) and the Youth World Championships (2016). This remarkable achievement made him the first Scottish boxer to clinch a world title at the amateur level.
Turning pro in 2017, Hutchinson has honed his skills in the professional ring, accumulating a solid record of 18-1 with 13 knockouts.
Like Buatsi, an impressive 72.2% of Hutchinson’s victories have come by knockout, with four of his last five bouts ending in such fashion. His sole defeat came in 2021, when he was stopped in the fifth round by Lennox Clarke while challenging for the vacant British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight titles.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
This bout promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Hutchinson’s hunger for victory could make this his most challenging fight yet. He’ll undoubtedly bring the heat, forcing Buatsi to dig deep. However, Buatsi’s experience and skill edge give him the upper hand in this battle. We feel Hutchinson will give Butasi enough openings to end his KO slump. Therefore, we are predicting a Butasi stoppage in this fight.
Best Rugby League Predictions This Week
Let’s shift our attention to the land down under, where the NRL finals are in full swing. We’ll shed light on the best NRL betting prospects this week.
Cronulla Sharks vs. North Queensland Cowboys – Sharks -4.5 @ 1.95
The Sharks and Cowboys have been locked in an intense rivalry this season, splitting their two encounters thus far. This weekend’s clash in Sydney holds immense significance as the victor will secure a preliminary final berth.
The Cowboys displayed remarkable resilience in their recent victory over the Knights. With four consecutive wins under their belt, the Townsville team are gaining momentum and establishing themselves as a formidable force in the competition.
The Sharks suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Melbourne Storm. The loss serves as a stark reminder of their recent struggles, as they have been unable to advance past the finals stage since 2018. If the Sharks hope to break this disappointing streak, they must swiftly regroup and address the shortcomings exposed in their latest setback against the Minor Premiership holders.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s troops have been grappling with defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks, conceding a total of 87 points in their last three matches. This defensive lapse raises significant concerns for the team, particularly as they seek to avenge their heartbreaking golden point loss in the previous finals encounter against the Cowboys.
The Sharks will need to tighten up their defensive efforts and capitalise on their offensive opportunities to secure a victory and reclaim their position as a top contender.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The Sharks’ recent loss to the Storm, while disappointing, doesn’t necessarily reflect their true capabilities. The Storm are simply a cut above the rest in the competition. We anticipate a strong rebound from the Sharks against the Cowboys.
Both teams boast potent offences, averaging an impressive 27 points per game. However, the outcome will likely hinge on the Sharks’ defensive performance. If they can shore up their backline, they’ll have a good chance of securing a victory.
Despite the Sharks’ recent defensive struggles, they’ve conceded an average of 19 points per game this season, compared to the Cowboys’ 23 points. Given this, the Sharks covering a -4.5 spread seems a realistic assumption.
Sydney Roosters vs. Manly Sea Eagles – Over 46.5 Points @ 1.91
The iconic rivalry between the Roosters and Sea Eagles will ignite once again at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. With a combined 23 Premierships, the Roosters and Sea Eagles are two of the most storied clubs in NRL history.
The last time these two rivals met in the NRL finals was in the pandemic-stricken 2021 season. The Sea Eagles had the last laugh then with a one-sided 42-6 victory.
While Manly would love a similar result this weekend, the Roosters will be confident of forcing a different outcome this time around.
In their first encounter of the season, the Sea Eagles held home field advantage and emerged victorious with a 21-14 win. However, the Roosters responded in kind, securing a thrilling 34-30 victory in round 21 at Allianz Stadium, a match that featured an incredible 11 tries.
Both teams are entering this match-up on the heels of challenging contests. The Roosters, in particular, endured a bruising first half against the Panthers. A resurgent second half could not compensate for their first half under-performance.
The Sea Eagles engaged in a fierce battle with Canterbury, a contest that was a seesaw affair throughout. After trailing for the majority of the game, the Sea Eagles staged a remarkable comeback, surging into the lead with just eight minutes remaining. Their narrow victory was sealed when Burton’s two-point field goal attempt fell just short, securing the win for Manly.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Both the Roosters and Sea Eagles have formidable firepower. The Roosters average a stunning 30 points per game, while the Sea Eagles are not far behind, averaging 26.4 points. Given their offensive depth, and considering the high-scoring nature of their previous encounter (64 combined points), betting on a total of over 46.5 points seems like a prudent wager.
Best American Football Prediction This Week
The NFL is returning for week three with a mouthwatering tie between New York Jets and New England Patriots. Here’s what we expect from the clash.
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets – Jets -6.5 @ 1.90
The New York Jets, fresh off a victory, will look to double down on their success against their bitter rivals, the New England Patriots. The AFC East showdown will kick off week three on Thursday Night Football at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets bounced back from a disappointing season opener against the 49ers with a gritty 24-17 comeback victory over the Titans.
Despite the win, the Jets offence hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations. The Titans’ rookie quarterback, Will Levis, made several costly errors that undoubtedly aided the Jets’ cause. They cannot expect similar handouts week in, week out.
Breece Hall showcased his versatility, racking up 114 all-purpose yards and a touchdown on a reception from Aaron Rodgers, who orchestrated the comeback with a solid performance, completing 18 of 30 passes for 176 yards and two scores. It was a triumphant first win for Rodgers in the Jets uniform.
The plucky Patriots defied expectations yet again, showcasing their fighting spirit in a narrow 23-20 overtime loss to the Seahawks in their home opener. Earlier, they had opened their campaign with an away win at Bengals, but it can’t be said that Jerod Mayo’s men are firing on all cylinders.
However, it must not be forgotten that Patriots were labelled as one of the poorest teams in the league ahead of the new season. But, they have managed to show resilience. Their stout defence held Joe Burrow to a mere 10 points, and they remained competitive against the Seahawks, ultimately falling short in overtime.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The Patriots may pose a challenge for the high-flying Jets, but the latter are likely to come away with the bragging rights. There’s considerable value in backing the NY Jets to cover the -6.5 spread at odds of 1.90, as offered by bookmaker bet365.
Best Football Predictions This Week
The UEFA Champions League gets underway this week with a new format. Let’s have a look at three of the match-ups for the best punting prospects:
Feyenoord vs. Bayer Leverkusen – Leverkusen Win and Both Teams To Score @ 3.10
Bayer Leverkusen, fresh from their historic achievements last season, are eager to make a statement in the Champions League. Their first European assignment will be taking on Eredivisie silver-medallists Feyenoord on Thursday evening at De Kuip.
Despite accumulating two more points than their championship-winning campaign the previous year, Feyenoord were unable to secure the top spot at the Dutch top flight last season.
The 16-time domestic champions did not go trophy-less, however, as they hoisted the KNVB Beker. However, they must pursue their new season objectives without the mercurial manager Arne Slot, who has left to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
New Feyenoord boss Brian Priske has managed only one win in his first four league outings. The pressure has begun to mount on the former Sparta Prague manager as Feyenoord has already fallen nine points behind title rivals PSV Eindhoven.
Bayer Leverkusen’s European ambitions came to a heartbreaking end in last season’s Europa League final. Despite their impressive form, they fell short against Atalanta, missing the opportunity to add a second European trophy to their cabinet, the only one being the 1988 UEFA Cup.
Interestingly, the only competitive encounter between these two sides occurred in that very tournament. Leverkusen defeated Feyenoord in the third round on their way to ultimately winning the competition.
Leverkusen’s relentless performances and dramatic late victories, both domestically and internationally, earned them widespread praise last season. Although they ultimately fell short against Atalanta in the Europa League final, they had already secured their first German championship and subsequently added the DFB-Pokal to their trophy cabinet.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Both teams have a wealth of experience in UEFA competitions, so an entertaining match should be on the menu for fans. While we expect Feyenoord to put up a strong fight, Leverkusen, led by the tactical mastermind Xabi Alonso, should come out on top of this. We also expect the net to bulge on both ends of the pitch.
Monaco vs. Barcelona – Barcelona Win, No BTTS @ 3.50
Two undefeated teams collide at the Stade Louis II on Thursday as Monaco welcome Barcelona to the Champions League. Both clubs finished second in their domestic leagues last season and have made strong starts to this campaign, setting their sights on a title challenge.
Under the guidance of Adi Hutter, Monaco’s future looks promising, having narrowly missed out on the Ligue 1 title to Paris Saint-Germain last season.
Monaco’s unbeaten streak stretched to four matches with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Auxerre. The commanding lead allowed Hutter to make several tactical changes before the final whistle, ensuring his players were fresh and ready for the crucial Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Barcelona, who are about to embark on their 21st consecutive Champions League journey, are determined to make it three wins out of three. However, given their stature, the club must elevate their performance to meet expectations.
Since their European triumph in 2015, Barcelona has struggled to replicate that success, failing to advance beyond the quarter-finals on most occasions. The club’s recent history includes two disappointing group stage exits in 2021 and 2022, a far cry from their former dominance.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Barcelona’s recent form, despite their injury woes, poses a significant threat to Monaco’s impeccable record at home. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have been in imperious form, winning all five of their matches. If Yamal continues his sensational start, another victory seems likely. We believe the 3.50 odds offered by bet365 for a Barcelona clean sheet win are too good to pass up.
Atalanta vs. Arsenal – Bukayo Saka to Score Anytime @ 3.00
Arsenal return to the elite European competition following their quarter-final run last season. The Gunners will lock horns with the reigning Europa League champions Atalanta in front of a sea of black and blue at Gewiss Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been defensively resolute, conceding just one goal this season. They have also continued their set-piece scoring spree, with Gabriel’s match-winning header against Tottenham marking the 23rd time they’ve scored from such situations since the start of last season.
Arsenal are determined to secure a maximum points haul on their trip to Lombardy before facing another challenging test against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates next month.
A newly renovated stadium awaits Champions League action as Atalanta welcomes European football back to Bergamo.
After claiming their first European trophy with a memorable victory over Bayern Leverkusen in last season’s Europa League final, Atalanta are ready to make their mark on the Champions League.
La Dea, however, does not have a stellar Champions League record to draw inspiration from ahead of this clash. They have won only one of their last seven Champions League home games, and their recent form suggests they are not favourites to arrest that slump.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 18th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Bukayo Saka has found the net only once in four appearances for Arsenal this season, but he remains the most destructive attacking threat in the Gunners frontline. He has made five goal contributions in four outings so far. The winger should add to his goal tally against an Atalanta defence that has shipped eight goals in their last three matches.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
Before wrapping up, let’s remind you of the best sports betting prospects of the week:
- England vs. Australia – Australia (-3.5 wickets/ -12.5 runs) @ 1.90
- Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua – Joshua KO @ 3.75
- Josh Warrington vs. Anthony Cacace – Fight not to go the distance @ 2.10
- Willy Hutchinson vs. Joshua Buatsi – Buatsi KO/TKO/ DQ @ 2.37
- New England Patriots vs. New York Jets – Jets -6.5 @ 1.90
- Cronulla Sharks vs. North Queensland Cowboys – Sharks -4.5 @ 1.95
- Sydney Roosters vs. Manly Sea Eagles – over 46.5 points @ 1.91
- Feyenoord vs. Bayer Leverkusen – Leverkusen win and both teams to score @ 3.10
- Monaco vs. Barcelona – Barcelona win, no BTTS @ 3.50
- Atalanta vs. Arsenal – Bukayo Saka to score anytime @ 3.00
The football bets this week are looking particularly enticing. They offer substantial returns for the risk involved, making them well worth considering.
