Get ready for another action-packed week of sporting events. With fixtures coming thick and fast, we’re here to guide you in finding the best value bets to maximise your sports betting returns. This week, we’ve gone through all the latest odds at bookmaker Pinnacle to bring you the best bets to make over the next seven days. Whether it’s MMA, football, rugby league or anything in between, we’ve got a prediction for you.
Best MMA Predictions This Week
The PFL Super Fights Battle of the Giants will see Renan Ferreira and Francis Ngannou as headliners at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 19th. But, we will look at the co-main event to find our value bet of the week. On top of that, we will explore two UFC fights taking place on the same day.
Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco – Pacheco to Win @ 1.740
The co-headliner for the monumental Battle of the Giants event is a women’s featherweight fight, with former UFC champ and Bellator’s reigning champion Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino taking on Larissa Pacheco, who has tasted PFL success in two different divisions.
Cris Cyborg is a seasoned fighter, currently sitting at the top of the featherweight worldwide rankings. Her unmatched experience and raw power set her apart from any other woman in the sport. With an impressive professional record of 27-2-0, she has dismantled numerous opponents and solidified her status as one of the greatest female fighters of all time.
At 5’8″ and 144.6 lbs, her combination of striking power and grappling expertise makes Cyborg a fearsome opponent in the division, even though she is now 39 years old. With that said, she will be hopeful of making her PFL debut a memorable one.
She will be sharing the canvas with Larissa Pacheco, a rapidly rising star in the MMA world. Pacheco has shown her incredible talent by sprinting to a 23-4-0 record. At 5’6″ and 145 lbs, Pacheco’s well-rounded skill set poses a significant challenge for any fighter who steps in the cage with her.
Pacheco made headlines as the first and only woman to defeat Kayla Harrison in MMA, claiming the featherweight title in 2022. She followed this up by winning the bantamweight title in 2023, making her the only fighter in PFL history to claim championships in two different divisions.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Cyborg will be competing in her first MMA fight in a year, raising concerns about potential ring rust among some bettors. However, she has been actively pursuing a boxing career during this time, which could potentially make her a fiercer striker.
That said, it’s hard to overlook that Cyborg is nearing her 40s. MMA is physically more demanding than boxing, so she might find it hard to cope with a world class fighter who is nine years younger. We will take up bookmaker Pinnacle’s offer of a Pacheco win at 1.740.
Michael Pereira vs. Anthony Hernandez – Pereira to Win @ 2.130
Anthony Hernandez and Michael Pereira will square off at the UFC Apex in the headline act of UFC Vegas 99 on Saturday night. The middleweight bout was originally scheduled for UFC 306 last month, but later the organisers decided to remove the fight from the Sphere to make it the main attraction of the mid-October event in Las Vegas.
Let’s not sugarcoat it, UFC Vegas 99 isn’t the most thrilling card of the year. However, the Pereira-Hernandez fight certainly deserves the main event spotlight. Both fighters are ranked within the top 15 in the division and are currently on impressive streaks. Predicting a winner will be no walk in the park.
The fighters are neck and neck in the rankings. Pereira is ranked 14th; just one step below Hernandez, who is currently the 13th best middleweight fighter. Hernandez, who captured the LFA middleweight title before signing with the UFC in 2019, boasts a 6-2-0-1 record. He’s currently in stellar form, riding a five-fight win streak, with his most recent win coming in February via submission against Roman Kopylov.
Pereira has also been with the UFC since 2019 and compiled a solid 9-2 record. With a 100% record in his last eight fights, ‘Demolidor’ will enter the cage in high spirits. He will look to extend his winning run to nine fights and follow up his victory over Ihor Potieria five months ago with another statement win.
The Brazilian appears to be thriving since moving up to middleweight. He has won all three of his fights in this division and will be eager to extend his unbeaten streak at middleweight. Moreover, he has taken down his opponents in the first round in all of his middleweight fights so far.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Bookmaker Pinnacle has surprisingly priced Pereira as the underdog here. While he is a middleweight newcomer, Pereira has hit the ground running with three dominant wins. An early onslaught from Pereira could see Hernandez giving up his unbeaten run. As a result, we are betting against the favourite in this one.
Alice Ardelean vs. Melissa Martinez – Martinez to Win @ 1.724
Alice Ardelean and Melissa Martinez, two fighters still in the early days of their careers, will raise the curtain on the UFC Vegas 99 card. The strawweight fighters will seek to return to winning ways following defeats in their previous fights.
Martinez steps back into the cage for the first time since experiencing the sting of her maiden professional defeat at the hands of Elise Reed at UFC 279 two years ago. Meanwhile, Ardelean bid farewell to her six-fight winning streak after losing her last-minute bout against Shauna Bannon at UFC 304 in July.
It’s easy to forget just how much hype surrounded Melissa ‘Super Melly’ Martinez when she joined the UFC in 2022. At that time, she was riding high as the reigning Combate Global strawweight champion, with an immaculate 6-0 record that had fans and pundits alike buzzing about her potential.
However, that momentum took a hit when she faced Elise Reed in her debut. Martinez lost the bout by decision, a disappointing setback that left fans wondering what might come next for the promising fighter.
Now, after a two-year hiatus, Martinez is making her comeback, and the timing couldn’t be more fortuitous. Fresh off her brother’s success on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he secured a UFC contract, Melissa is inspired and ready to re-enter the fray.
Ardelean, on the other hand, has focused more on her OnlyFans career lately, but she does have the experience of facing some high-profile names. She lost to the likes of Weili Zhang, Diana Belbita and Sylwia Juskiewicz, but managed to go on a remarkable winning run before losing to Bannon.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Ardelean currently has a 9-6 record. The Romanian-born British fighter has a powerful physique and isn’t shy about advancing with relentless pressure. While her striking technique could use some refinement, with shorter and more precise punches likely to yield better results than the looping hooks she currently throws from her waist, her tenacity remains commendable.
Still, she is in an uphill battle against Martinez, who many fans and pundits still find destined for greatness. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Martinez is set to show the world that ‘Super Melly’ is back, and she’s eager to make a lasting impression in the UFC. We feel that Martinez beating Ardelean at 1.724 seems like a very good deal to take.
Best Golf Predictions This Week
The UFC is not going to be the only sporting spectacle in Vegas this week; the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Fall series is also rolling into town with the Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin. Who do we fancy winning the tournament? Let’s find out. We will also look at the potential winner of Andalucia Masters, set to begin on Thursday.
Adam Hadwin to Win Shriners Children Open @ 40.950
Despite a challenging close to his 2024 regular season, Adam Hadwin still secured a respectable 47th place in the final FedEx Cup standings. The Canadian has a solid history at the Shriners Children’s Open, highlighted by his runner-up finish last year.
His consistency at TPC Summerlin is further underlined by a T6 finish in 2022 and a T34 in 2021, proving he knows how to perform well on this course.
What’s worth noting is Hadwin’s precision in a key area of the game. Over the past year, he’s ranked in the 36th percentile for greens in regulation on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway.
This stat is particularly significant because more than 34% of approach shots at last year’s Shriners Children’s Open came from this very range. If he can sharpen up in that department, Hadwin might well be in the mix again this week.
Adam Hadwin has built his career on a potent combination of accuracy and a sharp short game, a formula that has consistently paid off on desert courses like the TPC Summerlin. His success isn’t limited to Las Vegas, though. Over at the American Express in La Quinta, California, Hadwin has secured four top-six finishes, twice coming agonisingly close with runner-up results.
It doesn’t stop there. Two seasons ago, he narrowly missed out on victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, falling in a playoff, and he’s also made his presence felt in Houston, with a career-best finish of seventh. Clearly, when it comes to tournaments on courses that demand precision, Hadwin knows how to rise to the occasion.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Adam Hadwin may not have been in top form recently, but he has the chance to rediscover his touch on a course that plays to his strengths. With that in mind, there’s excellent value in backing Hadwin to win at odds of 40.950 with bookmaker Pinnacle.
Rasmus Neergaard Petersen to Win Andalucia Masters @ 44.260
Jon Rahm gets another chance at relishing glory on home soil three weeks after his Open de Espana failure. The Arizona State University alumnus has the shortest odds to win the Andalucia Masters, we believe a Danish golfer presents a more attractive value bet in this competition, offering the potential for a significantly higher payout.
Rasmus Neergard-Petersen’s T18 finish in Paris last week propelled him into the world’s top 100 for the first time in his career. At just 25, he adds his name to the expanding list of Danish talent competing at the highest level on the DP World Tour.
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande became the new home of the Andalucia Masters after the tournament’s traditional venue Valderrama became a LIV Golf exclusive. Although Neergard-Petersen wasn’t a part of the last year’s field, he possesses the skills to thrive on a course that accommodates a variety of playing styles.
Neergard-Petersen made the leap to the DP World Tour after securing three victories on the Challenge Tour this season. Neergard-Petersen’s recent performances include a fourth-place finish at the Alfred Dunhill Links, alongside finishes of 18th and 13th in his previous tournaments. The Danish golfer has also enjoyed success at this course, having finished second in the European Nations Cup back in 2018.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Rasmus Neergard-Petersen is known for his powerful and precise play, currently ranking 11th in strokes gained off the tee and 12th in greens in regulation. If he can elevate his putting performance from what he displayed in France, he could very well make a serious bid for the title.
Best American Football Prediction This Week
The Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints will face off in a crucial Thursday night NFL match-up. Here is our expert betting pick for the game.
Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints – Under 37 @ 1.952
The New Orleans Saints will be desperate to arrest a four-game losing skid when they face the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. The Saints are coming off a tough 51-27 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Broncos also stumbled last week, falling 23-16 to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Denver, sitting at 3-3 on the season, have been solid on the road, boasting a 2-1 away record and outscoring opponents 112-96 overall. Meanwhile, the Saints, with a 2-4 record and 1-2 at home in 2024, have been more prolific on offence, tallying 167 points compared to their opponents’ 147.
However, New Orleans will likely be without quarterback Derek Carr, who remains sidelined with an oblique strain. This raises concerns for the Saints’ ability to bounce back, as they’ll need to rely on their backup QB to handle the pressure against a gritty Broncos side.
Denver’s strong defence has been the key to their success this season. The Broncos are giving up just 16 points per game, ranking fourth in the league, and have impressively not allowed a single fourth-down conversion. They also boast the top-ranked red zone defence, conceding scores just 33% of the time.
With 22 sacks, the Broncos sit second in the NFL rankings, which could spell trouble for Saints’ rookie quarterback Bo Nix who was taken down five times in his debut. Offensively, Denver has struggled, averaging just 18.7 points per game (24th) under rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
The Saints have the stronger offence, but injuries have taken a toll. Denver will likely bring the pressure and focus on containing Alvin Kamara. Although New Orleans averages 27.8 points per game, which is the sixth highest in the ongoing NFL season, much of that success came when Derek Carr was fit and leading the attack.
The Saints’ defence is no slouch either. Though they’ve allowed a fair share of passing yards, their red zone efficiency stands out, limiting opponents to a score on just 38% of attempts—second in the NFL behind only the Broncos.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Given that two of the NFL’s most resilient defences are facing off, a high-scoring encounter appears unlikely. Therefore, we’ll wager on the total points to be under 37 at 1.952, available at bookmaker Pinnacle.
Best Rugby League Prediction This Week
Only a few weeks after the conclusion of the NRL season, rugby league returns with the eagerly awaited Pacific Championships kicking off this weekend, featuring a clash between Australia and Tonga. Here’s our betting preview for the match.
Australia vs. Tonga – Australia -16.5 @ 1.892
Australia is set to face a formidable challenge in their opening match of the 2024 Pacific Championships this Friday night, as they lock horns with a powerful Tongan lineup.
Injuries have plagued the The Kangaroos camp this season, but head coach Mal Malinga has the luxury of choosing from a vast pool of reserves. State of Origin standouts Mitch Moses and Tom Dearden are expected to carry on the momentum. Dylan Edwards will bring his four time NRL winning experience with Penrith to the fullback role. The Aussie backline is arguably the best in the world right now, packed with players with excellent speed and agility.
The only two international encounters between Australia and Tonga have resulted in one win for each team. In their first meeting in 2018, Australia secured a 34-16 victory, which went over the game total and featured a winning margin of 13 points or more. The 2019 showdown, however, saw Tonga take the win, finishing 16-12.
Australia enters the Pacific Championships as the world’s top-ranked team, sitting ahead of New Zealand, England, and Samoa after their World Cup success. The Australians secured the title with a convincing 30-10 victory over Samoa. Interestingly, only five players from that championship-winning squad have been selected for this upcoming match-up. However, they have suffered a humiliating 30-0 loss to their Trans-Tasman neighbours New Zealand in their last outing.
Tonga captain Jason Taumalolo will look to steer his team to a historic second consecutive Test victory over Australia. The last time Australia experienced consecutive Test losses to the same nation was during the 2014-15 season, when they fell to New Zealand three times in a row.
Kristian Woolf has assembled a formidable Tonga squad that is brimming with quality. The Tonga halves, Isaiya Katoa and Tuimoala Lolohea, form a fearsome duo capable of orchestrating a devastating attack.
Meanwhile, their forward pack, anchored by Eliesa Katoa, Keaon Koloamatangi, Haumole Olakau’atu, Felise Kaufusi, Taniela Paseka, and Taumalolo, is a fortress that will provide a solid platform for Tonga’s ambitions.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Mal Meninga has put together a dynamic forward pack to dominate from the outset, aiming to exhaust Tonga’s defence. We anticipate that Australia’s relentless running will wear down Tonga, creating opportunities for the Kangaroos to capitalise in the final 10 minutes of each half. Mitch Moses’ kicking game will also give Australia a significant advantage.
Overall, we are confident that Australia will successfully cover the -16.5 spread, which is available at odds of 1.892 with bookmaker Pinnacle.
Best Football Predictions This Week
The English Premier League returns after the international break for Matchday 8. We will go through three matches in the upcoming game week to find our best bets.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United – Both Teams to Score & Tottenham to Win @ 2.640
After a rocky beginning to the season, Spurs showed signs of improvement, with performances that suggested they were starting to click. However, last weekend’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion severely undermined that optimism, as Tottenham let slip a 2-0 lead and ultimately lost 3-2, a defeat that could have lasting implications.
Saturday’s match against West Ham presents a crucial opportunity for Spurs to regain their footing and set their season back on course. A victory would deliver a significant morale boost and alleviate some of the pressure that has been building on Postecoglou earlier in the season. On the contrary, another defeat could intensify doubts surrounding his leadership and the club’s overall direction.
Like Spurs, West Ham United is also navigating a transitional phase this season. The appointment of Julen Lopetegui in the summer raised expectations for the Hammers, especially after considerable investment in their squad during the transfer window. Unfortunately, the early indications have been disappointing, as West Ham has achieved only two wins in their opening seven fixtures.
Currently languishing in 12th place with eight points, West Ham’s slow start has put increasing pressure on Lopetegui to secure results. The Spaniard came in with a solid reputation from his successful runs at Sevilla and Wolves, but his tenure at West Ham has yet to ignite as many had envisioned. Nonetheless, the Hammers’ latest outing offered a ray of hope, as they celebrated their best result of the season with a comprehensive victory over Ipswich Town.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Other than the North London derby loss to Arsenal, Spurs have won all of their home matches this season across all competitions. In three of their last five matches involving the Lilywhites, both teams have scored in three of them. As for the Hammers, both teams scored in four of their last five matches. So, we expect both teams to score when they meet on Saturday.
Ipswich Town vs. Everton – Draw @ 3.450
Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League has been a tumultuous journey thus far, as the newly promoted side from the Championship has garnered only four points from their first seven matches, leaving them precariously positioned just above the relegation zone.
Kieran McKenna’s side remains win-less this season, yet it’s important to recognise the challenging schedule they have navigated, with matches against formidable opponents like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa hampering their chances to gain traction.
Nevertheless, they have displayed flashes of competitiveness. The draws against Fulham, Brighton, and Aston Villa reflect their ability to compete in the league, but a last-minute draw at Southampton and a crushing defeat at West Ham were rather disheartening.
Everton have also had a lacklustre start to the season. They have managed to put only five points on the board in seven outings, leaving them teetering on the brink of the relegation zone. While their overall performance has left much to be desired, recent weeks have offered some grounds for cautious optimism.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Everton enter this match unbeaten in their last three fixtures, while Ipswich is reeling from a disappointing defeat, giving the visitors a noticeable edge in momentum. However, Ipswich has shown strong performances on their home turf this season, whereas Everton remains win-less in their last 14 league matches on the road. Therefore, we predict a draw in this encounter.
Southampton vs. Leicester City – Leicester to Win @ 3.100
For both of these teams, the primary objective is survival after their promotion from the Championship last season. Southampton has endured a nightmarish return to the Premier League, still searching for their first victory of the campaign.
They currently find themselves in 19th place, with only one point to their name, narrowly above bottom-placed Wolves on goal difference. Their solitary draw came against Ipswich, where they let a lead slip away in the dying moments of stoppage time.
The Foxes also suffered a troubled start but recently claimed their first three points against Bournemouth. This win has provided them with some breathing space from the bottom three. Now, they have a fantastic opportunity to widen their three-point gap with a victory over Southampton.
This game is set to be a close affair, with both teams eager to get their seasons back on track. Leicester managed to clinch their first win of the campaign in their last match, and we believe they can build on that momentum to triumph at Southampton.
The Foxes have recorded only one loss in their last five fixtures, coming from two late goals against a title contending Arsenal side at the Emirates.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 16th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Leicester seem to be the stronger team of the two, so we are backing them to win this match. Bookmaker Pinnacle has priced them at attractive odds of 3.100.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
This week, we’ve explored a diverse array of events to help you build a well-rounded betting portfolio and maximise your chances of winning big. Here are our top bets:
- Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco – Pacheco to win @ 1.740
- Michel Pereira vs. Anthony Hernandez – Pereira to win @ 2.130
- Alice Ardelean vs. Melissa Martinez – Martinez to win @ 1.724
- Adam Hadwin to win Shriners Children Open @ 40.950
- Rasmus Neergaard Petersen to win Andalucia Masters @ 44.260
- Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints – under 37 @ 1.952
- Australia vs. Tonga – Australia -16.5 @ 1.892
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United – both teams to score & Tottenham to win @ 2.640
- Ipswich Town vs. Everton – draw @ 3.450
- Southampton vs. Leicester City – Leicester to win @ 3.100
We are particularly confident about the Premier League predictions we have made this week. They present fantastic opportunities for solid returns with a manageable level of risk. We recommend giving these bets top priority as you make your selections.
