Best Darts Prediction This Week 

Premier League Darts returns to action for its 10th night of the season. We have looked at three match-ups of the night for our weekly betting tips. 

Nathan Aspinall vs. Rob Cross – Over 9.5 @ 1.892

Thursday night’s Premier League Darts action in Manchester sees Nathan Aspinall square off with Rob Cross in the second match of the evening.

After both Aspinall and Cross suffered disappointing defeats on night nine of the Premier League, their upcoming clash in Manchester is sure to be a fierce and intense showdown. Luke Humphries took down Rob Cross, but ‘Voltage’ raced into a 2-0 lead, hitting more 180s and averaging higher. Cross actually threw better than Humphries last week, averaging 99.68 to 98.00, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a 6-3 defeat.

It was the first time the 2019 Premier League runner-up had fallen short of a semi-final spot since night three in Dublin, where, interestingly, he was also beaten by the very man he’ll face next.

Aspinall, on the other hand, suffered a 6-2 defeat to Stephen Bunting before advancing to the final of the International Darts Open, only to fall to ‘The Bullet’ once again.

When you look at their recent form, Aspinall and Cross appear closely matched. With three of their last five Premier League encounters reaching the 11-leg mark, we may be in for a real battle in their upcoming clash.

Nathan Aspinall currently ranks third in the Premier League for 180s, having registered 47 maximums to date. Cross, meanwhile, fired in seven against Luke Humphries in week five – the second-most by any player in a single match this season.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Aspinall’s got Cross’ number lately, winning their last five Premier League clashes. But his recent performances have been up and down. Given how unpredictable both players can be, backing this one to go beyond 9.5 legs feels like the smartest move.

Bookmaker Pinnacle is offering similar returns for both over and under values. We are wagering on over 9.5 legs for a potential 1.892x return. 

Chris Dobey vs. Michael van Gerwen – Dobey to Win @ 2.090

Michael van Gerwen missed last week’s Premier League night in Berlin due to a shoulder injury, which also kept him out of the International Darts Open in Riesa over the weekend.

The Dutchman made his comeback midweek but didn’t exactly shine. He suffered a first-round exit to compatriot Maik Kuivenhoven at Players Championship 11. So, there’s significant doubt on his quarter-final credentials this Thursday.

After sitting out the last round, Van Gerwen will be eager to get back on track as he kicks off night 10 against Chris Dobey – a player he’s already defeated twice this season. Mighty Mike ran riot with a 6-1 win the last time these two met, but don’t expect a repeat performance quite so easily on Thursday night.

Dobey caused a huge upset in Berlin last week, handing Luke Littler, the title favourite, a 6-2 defeat in the opening round. But just when it seemed like he might be on the verge of something big, he fell to a 6-2 loss against Gerwyn Price in the semis—despite averaging a far better 96.94 compared to Price’s 62.42.

In a disappointing European Tour 3 appearance over the weekend, Dobey was knocked out in the first round by Wessel Nijman. is recent form has been inconsistent, with five wins and five defeats in his last 10 matches.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Dobey might have the lowest average in the competition, but it’s his timing and finishing that have really held him back. He didn’t play up to his usual standard when he beat Luke Littler last week, but he was more clinical than we’ve seen in recent times. The win should give ‘Hollywood’ the confidence that, with enough effort, he can improve significantly for this match. 

Van Gerwen looked nowhere near his best when he played against Kuivenhoven. We are not sure whether his shoulder has fully recovered or not. So, expect Dobey to take advantage of the situation. 

Luke Littler vs. Gerwyn Price – Price to Win @ 3.430 

As the night’s action unfolds, Premier League darts fans can look forward to a high-profile quarter-final clash between Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price. Littler fell short at this stage in the previous round, but he will enter this Anglo-Welsh showdown as the favourite.

Littler remains six points ahead of the pack at the top of the standings with a comfortable 11-point lead over Price heading into this clash. The winner of this battle will go on to face either Stephen Bunting or Luke Humphries in the semi-finals.

Littler, who was knocked out by Chris Dobey last week, did not compete in the International Open tournament over the weekend. So far, Littler has won four of the nights played in the competition, though he has lost both of his previous match-ups against Price.

When it comes to 180s, Littler has hit 102—68 more than Price, with his total more than doubling that of any other player in the competition.

Littler has been the man to beat in the darts scene lately, but Price has been a bogey opponent for the 18-year-old. Price has his sights set on a third win against Littler in the competition, and there are compelling reasons to think he can pull it off once again. 

The Welshman outlasted Littler 6-3 in the Nottingham final in week six, and had previously beaten him 6-4 in Dublin on night three. While Littler shows no signs of being fazed by Price’s forceful style, these victories suggest that the Iceman is getting back to his best. 

Already with a Pro Tour title to his name this season, Price turned heads with a stunning 7-0 win over Brendan Dolan in the semi-finals of Players Championship 9, averaging an incredible 114.36. This is just a glimpse of his incredible quality as an arrowsmith. 

In his three matches at the European Darts Trophy last month, Price averaged 103.74, 110.83, and 107.40. He also averaged 105.24 in a 6-5 defeat to Nathan Aspinall at the International Darts Open last weekend.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Littler’s got the skill to put on a brilliant show, and even if Price is at his best, it might not be enough to take him down. That said, Littler’s 93.28 average in his 6-2 loss to Dobey in Berlin last week suggests he may not be firing on all cylinders.

Bookmaker Pinnacle has priced a Price win at 3.430, making it a punt worth considering.

Best F1 Prediction This Week 

After a lacklustre race in Japan, all eyes are now on Bahrain as F1 fans expect an exciting spectacle this Friday. Who will conquer the Bahrain International Circuit this year? Here’s our prediction. 

Oscar Piastri to Win Bahrain GP @ 3.050 

Apart from a rookie error at the Australian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri has consistently demonstrated he is as qualified as McLaren colleague Lando Norris. Though Norris has a long-standing reputation as a top McLaren talent, Piastri’s performances have shown that he is not only holding his own but often outshining his more seasoned partner.

A prime example of Piastri’s potential came at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he consistently ran right behind Norris. The Aussie driver showed off his impressive speed and race awareness throughout the race. McLaren considered letting him challenge Verstappen for the lead but hesitated too long, preventing Piastri from overtaking Norris.

Looking back, McLaren would see it as a missed opportunity as Verstappen won the race. But they might rethink their approach in Bahrain as Piastri prepares to sit behind the wheel following a first and third place finish. The 24-year-old is undoubtedly the most exciting young driver to watch in the world, and he has shown in recent times that he is capable of challenging the best. 

Piastri quickly put the Australian GP setback behind him by producing a stunning performance in China. He made the most of his pole position to dominate the race, and showed maturity beyond his years to hold onto the lead until the very end.

The Australian also put in a standout performance in Japan, finishing just 2.129 seconds behind Verstappen at the Suzuka International Racing Course. This result made him the seventh driver in history to earn a podium finish on his birthday.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Bahrain has not been a happy hunting ground for McLaren in the past. However, they did well in the preseason testing here. The temperatures are significantly higher now, but it wouldn’t be the most hostile environment for Piastri. 

Verstappen comes to this race as the defending champion, but it’s common knowledge that he doesn’t drive the fastest car on the grid anymore. Piastri should be able to get the better of the Belgian and Norris here. 

Best MMA Predictions This Week 

The Kaseya Center in Miami is set to host a stacked UFC 314 card this weekend, with Alexander Volkanovski challenging Diego Lopes in the headline act. We have tips on both the featherweight fight and the co-main event clash between lightweights Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett. 

Diego Lopes vs. Alexander Volkanovski – Volkanovski to Win @ 1.826 

The main event on Saturday night will see Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes fight for the vacant UFC featherweight championship. 

Former champion Volkanovski has a career record of 26 victories and four defeats, including 13 knockouts and three submissions. Making his UFC debut in 2016, the Australian fighter lost no time rising to the top with an amazing 12-win streak. 

His career-defining events are a TKO triumph over Chad Mendes in 2018 and a clear victory over Jose Aldo in 2019, both of which set the scene for his UFC title chance.

Volkanovski’s next bout will be his first since February’s UFC 298 loss of the featherweight belt to Ilia Topuria. Following a demanding schedule of four fights in 360 days and back-to-back knockout defeats, the former champion decided to step back for a bit. Taking a year off, he’s now aiming to come back and reclaim the title he held for over four years.

With a record of 26-6, including 10 knockouts and 12 submissions, Lopes is now the third ranked featherweight contender. The 30-year-old Brazilian has totally turned things around following a difficult debut loss against Movsar Evloev in May 2023. 

His five-fight winning streak included a first-round submission over Gavin Tucker, a 90-second KO of Pat Sabatini, and another first-round finish over Sodiq Yusuff in only 89 seconds.

Lopes came out firing the last time he fought in the UFC. He stunned Brian Ortega in the early moments. From there, he never took his foot off the gas. Lopes ended the UFC 306 fight by winning every round. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

The burning question surrounding this fight is whether Volkanovski has reached the end of his prime. His recent defeats came against world class opponents, so we are confident that he will regain his form against a less experienced Lopes. 

Paddy Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler – Under 1.5 Rounds @ 2.480

UFC 314’s co-main event is set to light up the lightweight division, as the ever-dangerous Michael Chandler faces off against British sensation Paddy Pimblett.

After going 23-9-0 in his career, Chandler is returning to the pay-per-view stage for the first time since his loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November last year. Fans are eager to see how he bounces back from that defeat. 

At almost 39, he’s 2-4 in the UFC, but to be fair, those losses came against fighters who’ve all been champions at some point. After years of waiting for a fight with Conor McGregor that never happened, ‘Iron Mike’ has moved on, and now it’s Pimblett who’s next on his radar.

Pimblett has been enjoying a dominant run in the lightweight division and steps into this contest after submitting King Green with a triangle choke at UFC 304 in July of the previous year. 

During his first four years competing inside the Octagon, ‘Paddy the Baddy’ has compiled a 6-0 record with four finishes. The Liverpool native has broken into the top 15 and will be looking to claim the world championship strap for the first time in his career. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Chandler enters this bout in dire need of a turnaround, having suffered four losses in his last five outings. Pimblett will be well aware of what the American brings to the table – a relentless approach with the aim of securing an early finish.

Both fighters will likely feel they can win early, and we believe that’s a real possibility. With that in mind, the best bet here is to back this one finishing in under 1.5 rounds.

Best Cricket Prediction of the Week 

The 2025 Indian Premier League is quickly approaching the playoff stage as group fixtures come in thick and fast. We breakdown the Friday evening clash between holders Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings to find the best bet. 

Chennai Super Kings vs. Kolkata Knight Riders – Kolkata to Win @ 1.826

The MA Chidambaram Stadium will be buzzing this Friday as the Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders go head-to-head in IPL match 25. With CSK in ninth and KKR in sixth, both teams are eyeing a much-needed win.

The IPL 2025 season has already seen its fair share of surprises, but none quite as surprising as Chennai Super Kings’ disappointing start. Once considered a powerhouse of the IPL, the five-time champions now find themselves in free-fall. Since their opening win over Mumbai, they’ve slumped to four straight defeats. 

Despite the poor results, CSK can still take some comfort in the performances of Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed — currently the top two wicket-takers in the competition.

It’s been a rocky road for KKR too, who slipped to a narrow defeat against LSG — their third loss in five games — missing out by just four runs. Still, there are reasons for cautious optimism. They’ve now put up 200+ scores in back-to-back matches, with Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer showing signs of life.

Rahane’s resurgence sees him climb to fifth in the Orange Cap race. If KKR’s bowlers can now step up, there’s still time to mount a serious challenge.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Matches between CSK and KKR rarely disappoint. While Chennai have traditionally dominated this fixture at Chepauk, their home edge seems diminished after back-to-back defeats on familiar turf.

KKR haven’t been lights out either, but they’ve been in the fight more often than not. With the pitch likely to help their bowlers slow things down in the middle, it could suit them. Unless Chennai’s top-order fires and their bowlers stay sharp, KKR might just be the safer pick here.

Best Football Predictions of the Week 

To finish off this week’s best bets on sport, we have three sharp football bets from different parts of Europe. 

Valencia vs. Sevilla – Valencia to Win @ 2.320 

Valencia are chasing a third La Liga win on the run when they play Sevilla on Friday night.  Currently 14th in the table, Los Che enter the match straight off an outstanding 2-1 victory against Real Madrid. 

Sevilla, on the other hand, are nursing their wounds following a close loss to Atletico and will have to react to prevent further decline.

An excellent run of results has seen Valencia lessen their relegation concerns in recent weeks. Having won three of those games, including their latest victories against Mallorca and Real Madrid, they are now relishing a five-game league unbeaten run.

Though relegation is still a risk, Valencia’s recent performance has moved them to 14th in the La Liga table, six points clear of the drop zone and just two points behind Sevilla in 12th before Friday’s match.

Sevilla, who fell to their third consecutive loss with a 2-1 setback to Atletico Madrid, have seen things go from bad to worse. The dip in performance puts them 12th in the table, still eight points above the drop but far from comfortable.

Last season was one to forget for Sevilla, finishing a lowly 14th — their worst in over 20 years. Things haven’t improved much this term either. They’ve managed just one win in their last six league games, although that did come in a tough trip to Real Sociedad. On the bright side, they did win on their last visit to Mestalla, beating Valencia 2-0 in April last year.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

With seven wins in 15 home outings at Mestalla, Valencia have made their ground a solid base this season. Given Sevilla’s poor recent performances, the hosts look well-placed to capitalise and take all three points.

Udinese vs. AC Milan – BTTS & Milan to Win @ 3.970

AC Milan head into Friday night’s Serie A clash with Udinese knowing that only three points will suffice if they are to keep their fading European ambitions alive. As the two sides meet for the 100th time in the Italian top flight, just two positions separate them in the table, with Udinese sitting comfortably in mid-table.

Milan’s patchy form sees them languishing in ninth, and even maximum points in Udine won’t be enough to leapfrog Fiorentina. With a host of clubs breathing down their necks in the race for Europe, they really can’t afford to slip again. 

But the odds aren’t in their favour: the Rossoneri have leaked goals away from home and have historically struggled in Udine. It’s all set up for a tense Friday night showdown.

Udinese had a solid run against Milan with back-to-back victories in their prior games. That purple patch is now over, however, as they have lost the last two matches in this fixture, including a 1-0 loss earlier in the season. Adding to their troubles, they were also defeated 1-0 by Genoa last week.

After a strong six-match unbeaten run, including four victories, Udinese have since faltered, failing to earn a point in their last three outings. Their aspirations for a top-half finish are now in jeopardy.

With relegation no longer a concern after last season’s dramatic escape, and European qualification out of reach, Kosta Runjaic’s men are now fighting for a top-10 finish with the likes of Torino and Genoa. After a tough run of three consecutive defeats, they’ll be eager to get back to winning ways and leapfrog Torino with a victory over Milan.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Milan may be struggling, especially defensively, but Udinese are going through a rough patch and have little to play for in the final weeks of the season. Despite a poor away record, the Rossoneri should still be able to grind out a win in Udine, keeping their slim hopes of a top-six finish alive.

We are expecting Milan to win, but don’t expect Mike Maignan to keep a clean-sheet at Stadio Friuli. 

Lens vs. Reims – Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.000 

Lens manager Will Still will host his former club, Reims, on Friday night in the opening Ligue 1 match of the weekend at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. They are pushing for a spot in Europe after a recent run of good form, while Reims are focused on staying out of the relegation zone before they look ahead to cup competition and possibly qualifying for Europe.

Lens’ European ambitions seemed all but over after four straight defeats, but a recent surge in form has revived their chances. With three wins in their last four matches, they’ve given themselves a shot at securing a spot in the top seven as the season winds down.

The Blood and Gold start the weekend in ninth, five points away from the European spots, with 18 points to play for. It’s still a tough climb, but it’s a far more hopeful scenario than the one they faced just a few weeks ago.

The last time Reims defeated Lens in Ligue 1 was all the way back in 1977. Since then, the teams have faced off 13 times, with Lens winning seven and the other six ending in draws. This record adds to the pressure on Reims, who are now in the relegation playoff spot after a defeat to Strasbourg.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 9th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Lens have won their last three matches 1-0, and many of their games under Will Still have been closely contested. While they appear superior to Reims on paper, another tight affair could be on the cards. 

Reims broke their long win-less run last month, but they failed to build on their Coupe de France final appearance, and they could very well be undone once again in this match. We expect this to be a low-scoring match. Bookmaker Pinnacle offers odds of 2.00 for under 2.5 goals to be scored, making it a great value bet.

The Best Bets to Make This Week

Here’s a summary of the bets we recommend over the coming seven days: 

• Nathan Aspinall vs. Rob Cross – over 9.5 @ 1.892
• Chris Dobey vs. Michael van Gerwen – Dobey to win @ 2.090
• Luke Littler vs. Gerwyn Price – Price to win @ 3.430
• Oscar Piastri to win Bahrain GP @ 3.050
• Diego Lopes vs. Alexander Volkanovski – Volkanovski to win @ 1.826 
• Paddy Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler – under 1.5 @ 2.480
• Chennai Super Kings vs. Kolkata Knight Riders – Kolkata to win @ 1.826
• Valencia vs. Sevilla – Valencia to win @ 2.320
• Udinese vs. AC Milan – BTTS & Milan to win @ 3.970
• Lens vs. Reims – under 2.5 @ 2.000

The betting pick for the Udinese vs. AC Milan match is the best of the bunch, if you’re looking for one wager in particular. Both teams have shaky defence, but Milan edges Udinese on quality. So, trust Sergio Conceicao’s men to return with victory, even though Udinese should hit the target at least once.

From darts in Germany to rugby league in Australia, tennis in Europe and cricket in India, we’ve left no stone unturned in our pursuit of the best bets this week. Read on as we unpack each wager – including a big 10.00 bet on Barcelona vs. Real Betis this weekend. 

Best Darts Prediction This Week 

The PDC darts tour heads to Reisa, Germany this week for three nights of jam-packed darts action. It’s the third of 14 ranking events, with plenty of prize money on the line as the best of the best–minus Luke Littler–square off. 

Gerwyn Price to Win the International Open @ 7.50 

It hasn’t been the best of runs for the Welshman in recent weeks, with Price meandering along over the last two weeks and doing little of note on tour.

However, one thing we know for sure is that Price loves the International Open. This is the world number 12’s bread and butter. He has made the final here in four of the last five editions, winning three of those.

Last year though, he suffered a shock loss to local hero Martin Schindler in the final. Undoubtedly he will be eager to make amends for letting another International Open title slip through his fingers, and will arrive in Germany full of confidence.

Don’t let his recent form betray Price’s ability, either. Just a few weeks ago he went undefeated at Premier League Night 6, with wins over Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Stephen Bunting en route to glory. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Looking at the latest odds for the International Open, Price pays a handy price at bookmaker bet365. The 40-year-old sits on the third line of betting at 7.50, behind favourite Luke Humphries who returns 5.00, as well as veteran Michael van Gerwen at 7.00.

For those who don’t think Price’s hot form will continue in Reisa, consider a high-odds punt on Nathan Aspinall instead. The Englishman doesn’t not have a recent track record at this tournament, but what he does have is confidence, having just won the German Open last week. Odds of 23.00 are enticing for a small punt on him as a dark horse.

Best Boxing Prediction This Week 

It’s a heavyweight war in England this weekend as Joe Joyce and Filip Hrgovic square off at the Co-OP Arena in Manchester on Saturday. Both need a win here to bounce back from recent defeats and get on track for a title fight but who’s the best to back? 

Filip Hrgovic to Beat Joe Joyce By Knockout @ 1.73

There’s plenty of nuance to this bout, but big picture, the safest bet is wagering on Hrgovic to win by knockout. This delivers a fine balance of return, while still being a very likely outcome.

Joyce comes into this bout in dire straights. The Englishman is 39 years old, and has just lost three of his last four fights. Spoiler alert: that’s not good. Should Joyce suffer another defeat, his career will be all but over. At least any shot of a title fight, that is.

Before his losing streak, he was a real threat, rising to number one in the world at one stage. Statement victories included Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois and Carlos Takam. However, his age is showing through now. He’s always relied on his durability over agility, but the chin seems to be much weaker now.

Hrgovic, on the other hand, is seven years younger and was on a promising upwards path before losing to Dubois in his last fight. The Croat is aggressive and will know that a big win over Joyce gets him right back into contention after the speed bump that was his loss last year.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Bookmaker William Hill is firmly in favour of a Hrgovic win here, with odds of 1.73 for a knockout and 3.75 for a win on points. Joyce is a heavy underdog, priced at 5.50 to end the fight early and 9.00 to win on the cards.

We expect that Hrgovic will play this one smart and use his jab to wear down Joyce. As mentioned, the Brit is much more susceptible to damage now than he was in his younger years. However, he still has plenty of power, so Hrgovic will want to avoid that. Once the fight enters the later rounds though, Hrgovic should be able to find an opening and pounce.

Or, Hrgovic throws caution to the wind, adopts his usual early aggression, and gets a knockout in the first four rounds. Either way, this bet pays, which is why we favour it over any round betting in this bout.

Best Rugby League Predictions This Week 

The 2025 NRL Premiership is well underway with four rounds completed already. There have been some surprising results so far – the Panthers losing three, and the Bulldogs remaining undefeated. Will these trends continue, or a reversion to the norm on the cards this weekend? Here are our suggested NRL betting tips: 

Penrith Panthers to Beat North Queensland Cowboys By 13+ @ 1.73

Four-time defending champions the Penrith Panthers sitting 13th on the NRL ladder was not on our bingo card this year, but that’s where things stand as the competition heads into April.

Ivan Cleary’s men have had a tough run of it so far in 2025, but they should get some respite this weekend against the North Queensland Cowboys. In fact, we expect them to make a bit of a statement and deal to their rivals from up north.

While the Panthers have just one win to their name this season, they are a far better side than North Queensland. The Cowboys have the look of a side that will be fighting to avoid the wooden spoon, while Penrith have showed plenty of backbone over their first four matches, despite some obvious weaknesses as well.

Playing back at home, after the embarrassment of how their campaign has started, this one has blowout written all over it.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Bookmaker William Hill is on to the fact that we will likely see a response from the Panthers this week, and is pricing them as heavy favourites coming into this match. Still, the return of 1.73 for Penrith winning by 13+ is nothing to sneeze at, and is the bet we recommend. Those looking for a little extra value may want to consider some of the more targeted winning margin markets, with the Panthers by 21-30 returning a healthy 7.50 for those willing to take a little more risk. 

Dolphins to Beat Gold Coast Titans @ 2.50

Another side who have had a less-than-deal start to their 2025 campaign are the Dolphins. Under new coach Kristian Woolf, the competition’s newest club are win-less so far this season and languish at the bottom of the table.

The Titans, in contrast, have had a strong start, bagging two from three after beginning with a bye. Most recently, they put away the Roosters 30-12, having seen off the Knights 26-6 the round before.

However, we see the Dolphins as a much better outfit than their position on the table currently indicates, and would be very surprised if they go 0-5 to start the year. They were desperately unlucky to lose to the Broncos last week, who many see as title contenders in 2025. Had they finished off their opening match against the Rabbitohs better and got the rub of the green last week, they could easily be sitting mid-table right now.

Gold Coast, on the other hand, are yet to be really tested. They have beat up on two poor sides and had a week off. Sure, the Dolphins aren’t necessarily a top-four team, but we do expect them to bring a much stiffer challenge to the Titans this weekend and come away victorious as a result.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Bookmaker William Hill puts the Titans as moderate favourites in this fixture, returning 1.53 to win. That means a Dolphins ‘upset’ pays a healthy 2.50, and is definitely the bet to go with here. Stay away from any margin markets as it’s hard to know how much of a head of steam Woolf’s men will get up here, and 2.50 in a nice enough payout as it is. 

Brisbane Broncos to Beat Wests Tigers By 1-12 @ 3.70

Rounding out our NRL tips this week, we’re going against the bookies again by tipping the Wests Tigers to keep things tight against the Brisbane Broncos.

Brisbane are widely seen as title contenders this season, and currently sit second in outright betting behind the Melbourne Storm. However, they actually haven’t been that good over their first four matches. 

Yes, they put a number on the Roosters in round one. But, the last month has shown that Sydney are going to struggle this year, and racking up 50 points against them isn’t the achievement many thought it was. Following that, the Broncos lost to the Raiders, barely scraped by the woeful Cowboys, then got lucky to beat the Dolphins.

Wests, on the other hand, have been resolute. They look to be an entirely different unit to the one that has languished in last place the past few years. Benji Marshall’s magic clearly extends to the coaching role as well, with some good results so far in 2025. 

The Tigers began by falling at the death to the Knights, but made amends in round two with a good win over the Eels. They backed that up with another solid win against the Dolphins and very nearly went three in a row, if it wasn’t for a last gasp comeback by the Warriors last weekend.

All this to say, we fully expect the Tigers to be genuinely competitive against the Broncos on Saturday. It’s unlikely they will win – particularly without star pivot Jarome Luai, who has been a game-changer for them this season – but they should keep this nice and tight.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Bookmaker William Hill wholeheartedly disagrees with us, and sees this one being a big win to the Broncos. In fact, in match betting, this fixture has the most one-sided odds of the entire round. As a result, Brisbane winning by 1-12 returns a very juicy 3.70, which is exactly the best we recommend taking. 

Best Football Prediction This Week 

The La Liga continues this week, and we have a hot tip on the Barcelona vs. Real Betis clash for you to consider adding to your betting slip this weekend.

Barcelona to Beat Real Betis 3-1 @ 10.00

Anyone that follows football to any measure will know that Barcelona are one of the best sides in Europe right now, if not the best. They sit top of the table in La Liga and are riding a seven-match winning streak across all competitions.

This weekend, Real Betis come to town. Betis are no mugs, and currently sit sixth in La Liga with some big scalps under their belts recently. They too are on a win streak, admittedly of just four matches though. This time last month, however, they pipped Real Madrid 2-1, showing the kind of level they can produce on a good day.

We expect to see an entertaining clash here, but one that Barcelona dominates. They are simply in such red-hot form and will know that if they put a foot wrong, the La Liga title starts to become under jeopardy. Expect them to ride their momentum and come away with a healthy win here.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)

We see the most value in this match by targeting a correct score bet. Barcelona have scored three or more goals in four of their last five matches. However, they have also leaked at least one goal in three of their last five. 

Real Betis, on the other hand, haven’t been kept scoreless since mid-February. But, they have been scored against in five of their last seven.

All this to say, a scoreline of 3-1 feels like a very reasonable outcome here, which pays a generous 10.00 if it hits.

Best Tennis Prediction This Week 

It has been a fascinating tennis season so far, with the banning of Jannik Sinner, decline of Novak Djokovic, unpredictability of Carlos Alcaraz and the rise of a plethora of young stars. How will this all unfold as the ATP Tour shifts to European clay for the next two months? We breakdown our prediction for the Monte-Carlo Masters next week.

Unseeded Finalist at Monte-Carlo Masters (Odds TBC)

First thing’s first: bookmakers haven’t released odds for this tournament yet, as the draw has not been announced and there are three live events unfolding on Tour at the moment. However, we know enough about the Monte-Carlo Masters and the state of the men’s game at the moment to offer up a prediction that will have sharp odds anyway.

We fully expect that one of the players who makes it through to next weekend’s championship match will be unseeded. Why? Several reasons.

First, the move from America to Europe, and hard-court to clay is not insignificant. There’s jet-lag to be dealt with, the surface bounces differently, and clay-court tennis requires an elevated level of physicality. For players who have been excelling on American hard-courts, it’s a big ask to suddenly switch and do well on European clay.

That’s why in the past the Monte-Carlo Masters has seen finalists such as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Dusan Lajovic, Fabio Fognini and Albert Ramos Vinolas in the past seven years. Not exactly household names.

Secondly, the current state of the men’s game is perhaps the most wide open it has been in three decades. The recent Sunshine Double was a perfect example of this, with Jack Draper and Jakub Mensik each winning their maiden Masters 1000 titles. 

Given the Monte-Carlo Masters only has 16 seeds, the odds of a non-seeded player making the final are brilliant. The likes of Matteo Berrettini, Francisco Cerundolo, Felix Auger-Aliassime or Sebastian Baez, to name a few, could all go on a run to the final quite easily.

Best Rugby Sevens Prediction This Week 

The final event of the regular season takes place on the Sevens circuit this weekend, with the grand final looming in Los Angeles shortly. Here’s our prediction for the Singapore Sevens.

New Zealand to Win Singapore Sevens @ 7.50

Few will be tipping the Kiwis to have any success in Singapore, considering their best result over the five previous tournaments this season has been a solitary fourth-place finish. However, we predict that the All Blacks Sevens will find their best rugby when it matters, and grab some much-needed momentum heading into Los Angeles.

We’re predicting this for several reasons, the first of which is New Zealand’s record in Singapore. They have won the past two events, and made the final in the last three. There’s something about Singapore that just clicks with this unit, because they haven’t always been in great form coming into it in the past either.

Adding to this, New Zealand will see an opportunity to rectify their season. They are still a live chance at winning the title in Los Angeles, all they need to do is hit the ground running in the grand final. That starts in Singapore, by getting some confidence and momentum ahead of the event that matters.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Bookmaker bet365 is attune to the fact that New Zealand remain a threat despite their poor form in 2025 and have the Kiwis on the third line of betting at 7.50. Still, this is an excellent return for the two-time defending champions in Singapore and is the punt we recommend.

Best Cricket Predictions This Week 

Narrowing in on a slightly smaller ball, there’s some excellent cricket unfolding this weekend with the Indian Premier League continuing and the Black Caps wrapping up their ODI series against Pakistan. Here are the best bets on each.

Chennai Super Kings to Beat Delhi Capitals @ 7.50

After a strong start, the Chennai Super Kings have taken a dip with back to back losses in the IPL. Their loss at home to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will hurt the most, and they will be eager to avenge that.

We predict that they will do just that against a fragile Delhi Capitals side on Saturday. DC may be sitting top of the table right now, but they will face a very different task from their opening two games when they head to Chepauk Stadium. Chennai rarely lose back-to-back home games, and with the spin attack and strong top-order they possess, should hand Delhi their first loss.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Bookmaker William Hill agrees that CSK are the most likely to win this fixture, pricing them as a 1.90 favourite heading into Saturday. Given Chennai’s strong home record, we recommend taking these odds.

Black Caps to Score Over 54.5 Runs in Overs 0-10 vs. Pakistan @ 2.50

New Zealand have well and truly proven themselves to be a better white ball side than Pakistan over the past month, winning six of the seven matches they’ve played over T20Is and ODIs.

The final fixture takes place this Saturday, with the Black Caps hunting a clean sweep of the ODI series having already won the first two. We expect they will get it, and do so in impressive fashion by starting fast at the top of the order.

In their most recent match, New Zealand raced out to 72/2 from their first 10 overs. There’s very little reason to believe they won’t do so again as the series is in the bag, so they can throw caution to the wind. Furthermore, Pakistan’s bowlers are tired and low on morale while Mount Maunganui is a small ground that makes scoring easy.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 3rd, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Bookmaker William Hill is offering juicy odds on this bet, however, pricing it at 2.50 if the Black Caps strike more than 54.5 runs in their first 10. Given this is still well under a run a ball, we say this is a straightforward bet to round out the week’s betting action.

The Best Bets to Make This Week

Let’s have a look at our picks for this week one last time before we wrap up. Here they are: 

• Gerwyn Price to win the International Open @ 7.50 

• Filip Hrgovic to beat Joe Joyce by knockout @ 1.73

• Penrith Panthers to beat North Queensland Cowboys by 13+ @ 1.73

• Dolphins to beat Gold Coast Titans @ 2.50

• Brisbane Broncos to beat Wests Tigers by 1-12 @ 3.70

• Barcelona to beat Real Betis 3-1 @ 10.00

• Unseeded finalist at Monte-Carlo Masters (odds TBC)

• New Zealand to win Singapore Sevens @ 7.50

• Chennai Super Kings to beat Delhi Capitals @ 7.50

• Black Caps to score over 54.5 runs in overs 0-10 vs. Pakistan @ 2.50

We’ve presented a mix of conservative and high-return bets this week covering a range of sports. Now it’s your turn. Do you think Gerwyn Price is going to continue his brilliant form at the International Open? Fancy the Tigers’ chances of keeping it tight against the Broncos? The ball is in your court, but be quick, some of these events kick off shortly.

As the discipline grows, so does its betting potential. Major bookmakers now offer a range of odds and markets on eSports – which can be very lucrative, if you know what you’re doing. That’s why in this guide, we go over the most common markets for betting in eSports and share some tips to make you a better eSports punter. 

Here’s a rundown of the markets you need to know before betting on eSports:

Match Winner 

Just like betting on a traditional sports match, you can bet on the possible result of an eSports match too. You get your money plus the reward for making a successful prediction. If your prediction doesn’t come through, however, you will lose your money. 

Example: 

Bookmaker William Hill offered the odds shown in the screenshot above for a recent League of Legends clash between EDward Gaming and Weibo Gaming. 

• Edward Gaming at 3.00: If you place a £10 bet on Edward Gaming at 3.00 odds, the potential return would be (£10 × 3.00) = £30. That means you would earn a £20 profit from a £10 stake.

• Weibo Gaming at 1.36: If you place a £10 bet on Weibo Gaming at 1.36 odds, you can expect a total return of £13.60 (£10 × 1.36) if Weibo wins. In this case, you would earn a £3.60 profit from a £10 stake.

Handicap 

You might have noticed that the payout for predicting a Weibo Gaming win is significantly less. This is because Weibo Gaming has a strong chance to win that match and the risk factor in predicting a Weibo win is quite low. 

In such scenarios, punters tend to avoid betting on the favourite since the returns are less attractive. To address this issue, bookmakers offer handicap bets that somewhat levels the field. 

When a handicap is assigned, teams are allowed to win or lose by a specific margin for the wager to pay out. That means you no longer need to predict the exact result of the match—getting close would be enough.

Example: 

Have a look at the screenshot shared above. This also comes from William Hill and it shows handicap values for the match between BOOM Esports and Team Falcons. 

Here’s a breakdown of the handicaps: 

• BOOM Esports +1.5: Here BOOM Esports is awarded a virtual 1.5-map edge before the match begins. Your bet will pay off if BOOM Esports either wins the game outright or loses but wins at least one map. A +1.5 handicap bet always wins as long as the team doesn’t lose in straight maps, like 2-0 in a Bo3, since half-maps don’t exist. 

• Team Falcons -1.5: For your wager to work, Team Falcons has to win by at least two maps. Your bet loses if the game is closer and Falcons only win by one map (e.g., 2-1 in a Bo3 or 3-2 in a Bo5).

Prop Bets 

Prop bets are bets that have no direct impact on the result of a match. These wagers focus on a certain aspect of the game. 

Example: 

This is a screenshot taken from bookmaker Pinnacle and it shows a bet about whether or not both teams in a League of Legends will destroy an Inhibitor. The wager has nothing to do with the final outcome of the match. It’s a simple yes-no question about a certain development in the match. 

Here’s another one. In this case, you only need to predict whether or not G2 will end a map or not. The match result doesn’t affect this bet, just like the previous one. So, both of these are prop bets. 

Futures 

Future bets are long-term bets. It could be on the potential winner of a tournament or the best player in a tournament, for example. 

Example: 

Here are the outright odds on bookmaker Pinnacle for the LCK Road to MSI. As you can see, Hanwha Life has the shortest odds to win the competition. Gen.G and T1 are expected to be their closest competitors. These odds can fluctuate as the tournament draws near. Some bookmakers offer futures bets even while the tournament is ongoing.

What Games are Available for eSports Betting?

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Games

eSports betting fans clearly love battle arena games. Major titles like Dota 2 and League of Legends dominate the scene, and seeing the finals of tournaments such as The International or the League of Legends World Championship makes it obvious why these team-based games are great for betting. 

From mythology-inspired titles like Smite to fantasy-driven games like Warcraft, the genre presents a great variety of choices, each with its own devoted following. Many gamblers have found success betting on these high-stakes confrontations even if the mechanics and characters could take time to learn.

First Person Shooters

If you’re after high-intensity action, first-person shooters offer some of the most exciting betting opportunities in eSports. Counter-Strike 2 leads the pack, but games like Call of Duty, Halo, and Overwatch also thrive in competitive gaming. The tactical, team-based nature of these titles makes them perfect for betting. 

Sports Simulators 

It’s no surprise that sports simulation games have become a major part of the eSports betting scene. If you’ve ever placed a traditional football bet, then wagering on eSports titles like EA FC should feel familiar. 

Since the launch of the FIFA eWorld Cup, bookmakers have embraced eSports betting, making it as accessible as wagering on real-life tournaments. With the right strategy, you can turn a profit by betting on these digital competitions. Beyond EA FC, other top sports eSports include NBA 2K and the high-octane, car-meets-football action of Rocket League.

How to Bet on eSports: Special Tips

Here are some dos and don’ts that can help you win big in eSports betting: 

Study Trends and Patterns 

Tracking trends is absolutely vital while betting on eSports. Impressive statistics for a player do not always ensure consistent match performance across all games. 

For instance, Nikola “NiKo” Kovac is among the top Counter-Strike players we have encountered. Still, he has never triumphed in a Major, so wagering on his team to win a Major would be quite risky. Most eSports betting odds provide you with useful information by including important data and recent team performance, allowing you to make an informed bet.

Don’t Bet on Games You Don’t Know 

Choose which eSports game to wager on with patience. Given the huge variety of game genres in the eSports universe, the ideal strategy is to stay with what you know. Should you like MOBA games, high-stakes Dota 2 and League of Legends matches can be interesting. 

CS2 and Call of Duty offer lots of betting chances if first-person shooters are more your taste. Your best odds of winning come from betting on games you know inside and out; avoid betting on sports you don’t understand.

Follow the Action 

Cheering for an eSports organisation is no different from supporting a sports team. With so many top organisations, there’s always a team to follow. For instance, FaZe Clan competes in several games. To make informed bets, you need to understand the history and success of the teams you’re backing—without that knowledge, you’re taking a gamble.

Following the top players in eSports is just as important as keeping up with the best teams. Superstars in games like CS2, League of Legends, and Call of Duty are everywhere on social media. 

Take CS2, for instance—players like Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev and Nikola “NiKo” Kovac have become household names, helping spread the game’s popularity to new heights across the globe.

Look for the Best Odds 

It’s never a good idea to settle for the first odds you find on one site. Always compare prices across different platforms to get the best value. Shopping the odds is a smart practice, whether you’re betting on traditional sports or eSports.

Minimise Risk 

Approach eSports betting with a steady hand at start. Even when you’re supporting a team on a winning run, things don’t always go as planned. The eSports scene is always changing, so don’t stake all your money on your first one. 

Equally important is a thorough knowledge of the game or match rules you are wagering on. Although both first-person shooters, CS2 and Call of Duty differ significantly in terms of gameplay; Call of Duty provides more weapon choice freedom.

Explore Markets 

One should keep in mind that wagering on the general result of a game is not your only choice. Many additional results are possible throughout a game. Anything can happen, even in eSports, just like conventional sports. 

Though it may sound tempting, a money line wager should not always be your first option. At times, betting on particular events, such as which team will score more points or who will score the first kill, could be a superior strategy.

Best Darts Predictions of the Week 

The 2025 PDC Premier League Darts resumes on Thursday, 27th of March, for its eighth night, with Newcastle the next stop on the tour. Here are our betting tips for three matches of the week. 

Luke Littler vs. Stephen Bunting – Under 8.5 @ 2.140 

Luke Littler leads the 2025 PDC Premier League Darts table after winning nights two, five, and seven of this year’s BetMGM Premier League. Littler claimed his third victory of the 2025 campaign in Cardiff last Thursday, with ‘The Nuke’ collecting five more points to extend his lead at the top to six.

He faces Stephen Bunting next, who has been far from his best lately. Bunting is having a torrid time in the Premier League, sitting rock bottom without a single win to his name. And with a showdown against the league’s top player this week, his troubles may only deepen. 

‘The Bullet’ may be win-less in this year’s Premier League, but he’s hit a 100+ average in three of the last five weeks, only to end up on the losing side. If he’s to get his first points on the board, he’ll need another top display—and a below-par night from Littler.

Strangely enough, Bunting’s strongest Premier League showing came in his previous encounter with Littler on night four. The match ended 6-4 in Exeter, but things could be different this time around. 

Realistically, this looks like another routine win for Littler as he kicks off the night in Newcastle. Backing Littler for the win doesn’t offer much return, however, as the odds are simply too short. Given Bunting’s struggles, an upset looks improbable, so the best betting value in this match lies in alternative markets. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Littler fired in six 180s against Aspinall in the first round last week and matched that tally against Rob Cross in the semis. But in the final against MVG, ‘The Nuke’ stepped it up, blasting 10 maximums to secure victory.

Bunting might find a win eventually, but we can’t see him overcoming Littler. Littler will likely coast through this one without needing to hit top gear, so we expect a quick finish. Our pick is under 8.5 sets, available at odds of 2.140 on Pinnacle.

Gerwyn Price vs. Rob Cross – Over 9.5 @ 1.892 

Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price meet again this week in the north-east, just as they did in last week’s quarter-final in Cardiff. After suffering a 6-5 defeat in that match, Price has the chance to settle the score on his way to victory in Newcastle. 

The pair meet again at the quarter-final stage at the Utilita Arena, and there are plenty of reasons to believe Price can reverse the outcome. The Iceman posted an average of 97.10, well ahead of Cross’ 89.40, and it was only a remarkable 170 checkout that saw ‘Voltage’ through.

Price has now lost three of his last five matches against Cross, but before their most recent meeting, he had ample reason to feel confident. Coming off a Night 6 final victory over Littler and playing in front of his home crowd, the stage seemed set for a Price win. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent another defeat to his English rival.

Price stumbled in the opening leg, allowing Cross to hold his throw and take an early lead, despite several wobbly attempts at doubles. His finishing woes persisted, but he eventually managed to extend his advantage over the Welshman, who was playing in front of a home crowd this week.

The Iceman’s performance improved as he claimed the next two legs, but after missing double 16, Cross found his rhythm with double 20, pulling two legs clear.

Although Price mounted a late fightback, Cross proved too strong, securing a 6-5 victory and sealing the win with a spectacular 170 checkout to defeat Price in his home fixture.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

It was a statement win for Cross as he defeated the local favourite in front of a passionate Welsh crowd. However, the Englishman won’t have it easy replicating that performance, even though he can expect the crowd to be behind him this time.

Since the loss, Price progressed to the quarter-finals of the European Darts Trophy, but the Welshman’s performance indicated he should have achieved more. In Gottingen, the Markham man posted averages of 103.74, 110.83, and 107.40—form that is worthy of a title charge. 

History suggests another closely fought match, as the last four meetings between these two have all seen more than nine sets. That’s why we’re backing over 9.5 sets at odds of 1.892 with Pinnacle.

Luke Humphries vs. Chris Dobey – Dobey to Win @ 2.730 

Luke Humphries, the world number one, takes on Newcastle’s own Chris Dobey in the third match of night eight in the Premier League Darts. 

‘Hollywood’ will be desperate to give his local fans something to cheer about, but he has his work cut out. ‘Coolhand’ has won four of their last five encounters and is heavily favoured by bookies to get the win.

That said, Dobey has the talent to beat anyone when he’s at his best—including Humphries. Whether he can raise his level and deliver a standout performance in front of his home crowd is the big question.

The best of Dobey is still to come in this Premier League campaign, but with the home crowd behind him in Newcastle, ‘Hollywood’ might just steal the show.

The ex-Masters champion, who has already lifted a Players Championship trophy this season, averaged 101.73 in his sole outing at last week’s European Darts Trophy—proof that his A-game is still very much intact.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

There’s no doubt that Humphries is the more consistent player between the two, but ‘Cool Hand’ has been off his game lately and showed signs of struggle under pressure, particularly in last week’s loss to Nathan Aspinall in Germany.

Bookmaker Pinnacle prices a Dobey win at Tyneside at 2.730. Given the value on offer here, it’s a bet that can’t be missed. 

Best MMA Prediction This Week 

The UFC heads to Mexico City for the seventh time, and if this event is anything like its predecessors, fans can expect another action-packed night in the Mexican capital. Here is our top betting pick for the UFC this weekend. 

Manuel Torres vs. Drew Dober – Dober to Win @ 1.934

Manuel “El Loco” Torres (15-3-0) and Drew Dober (27-14-0) will meet in a lightweight battle at the Arena CDMX on Saturday night. These two warriors are no strangers to high-paced battles against top-tier opposition. So, it isn’t an exaggeration to claim that this match-up has all the ingredients for a Fight of the Night winner. 

Torres is known for coming out of the gates fast, while Drew Dober prefers a more methodical approach. After a setback against Ignacio Bahamondes, Torres will be eager to re-establish himself in the division with a quick and decisive win. 

On the other hand, Dober—coming off a setback against Rafael Silva—thrives in wars of attrition and could push Torres into deep waters if he survives the early onslaught. This showdown between two redemption seeking warriors could make for a fascinating contest. 

Torres appears to have a potential advantage, as he typically starts strong and makes the most of his incredible striking ability. However, Dober’s proven resilience in the later stages of fights could turn the tide if his opponent cannot keep up his early intensity. 

The outcome of this fight may depend on whether Torres can capitalise on his superior striking and grappling stats before Dober finds his rhythm. With both fighters coming off losses, this contest is crucial for regaining momentum and confidence in their careers.

Torres enters the Octagon with an explosive offensive game, landing an impressive 7.17 strikes per minute and maintaining a 66% take-down accuracy. His fluid stance switching could throw off Dober’s southpaw defense and open up potential weaknesses.

Meanwhile, Dober’s southpaw stance and strategic approach could be the perfect counter to Torres’ aggression, provided he can manage the range and utilise his 51% defensive rate to withstand the pressure.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Torres isn’t merely a contender hoping for a breakthrough—he’s a real threat. Although he has just three UFC victories under his belt, the Mexican fighter has already made a name for himself by stopping rising lightweights Chris Duncan and Nikolas Motta. At 30, Torres is younger, more dynamic, and has a dangerous finishing instinct that makes him a formidable opponent.

However, Torres’ aggression can be a double-edged sword. If Torres traps Dober in the clinch and imposes his will, he could wear him out. But if he’s too reckless, Dober’s accuracy and poise could lead to a knockout finish. As the odds suggest, this should be a close fight, but we’re putting our faith in the experienced Dober.

Best Rugby League Predictions This Week 

Newcastle Knights will enjoy a bye week, but the rest of the NRL will return to action for the fourth week of the season. Let’s have a look at our NRL betting tips for this round: 

Sydney Roosters vs. Gold Coast Titans – Roosters -6.0 @ 1.806

For the first time since the venue opened in 2022, the Sydney Roosters welcome the Gold Coast Titans to Allianz Stadium. 

Following their remarkable win against Penrith, the Roosters had a disappointing 14-6 loss to the Warriors in Auckland last Friday. The Titans, on the other hand, reacted to their loss to Canterbury with a commanding 26-6 victory over Newcastle, and pushed their way into the top eight.

The loss in Auckland was not the only Roosters setback; Connor Watson was declared out due to a concussion. In the starting lineup, Zach Dockar-Clay will take his spot.

The Titans have also been dealt a blow, with fullback Keano Kini sidelined due to a neck injury. Jaylan De Groot will take his place, making his second appearance in first grade after debuting in 2025. The rest of the squad remains unchanged from last week’s win over Newcastle.

The Roosters’ last outing at Allianz Stadium saw them concede 50 points in a heavy season-opening loss to the Broncos. But their form has picked up significantly since then, with a spectacular win over the Panthers and a narrow loss to the Warriors, where they made 448 tackles and missed only 33. 

Had their ball handling been more clinical in Auckland, they could’ve come away with the win. Back at home, they’ll be full of confidence in their ability to replicate their strong performance from a fortnight ago and claim their second win of the season.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

The Roosters have dominated this fixture, winning 17 of their 25 encounters since the Titans joined the competition in 2007. The Roosters have also won 11 consecutive matches, with an average winning margin of 16 points.

Although the Titans won in four of their seven trips at the old Sydney Football Stadium, they haven’t defeated the Roosters away from the Gold Coast since 2013.

We are confident that the Roosters will cover a -6 handicap in this match. 

Redcliffe Dolphins vs. Brisbane Broncos – Broncos -13.0 @ 1.917

The Dolphins are aiming to repeat last year’s stunning performance as they target a second consecutive win in the Battle for Brisbane. However, Kristian Woolf’s team will need a drastic improvement in form to match their dominant 40-6 triumph, as they’re still seeking their first victory of the current season.

After losing all three of their games so far, the Dolphins’ best showing came in a strong first half during their loss to the Wests Tigers at Kayo Stadium last weekend. On top of their post-Wayne Bennett struggles, stats show that just four of 24 teams with an 0-3 start since 2013 have reached the finals. With the upcoming run of opponents, it might be a while before they secure their first win.

Brisbane regained their winning touch with a 26-16 victory over the Cowboys last Friday and are eager to make it two in a row against their in-state rivals. The Broncos’ loss to the Dolphins last year marked their first in the Battle for Brisbane, and it’s still a painful memory.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

The odds are stacked against the Dolphins this Friday: the Broncos have won 10 straight Friday games at Suncorp Stadium against Queensland teams and 27 of their last 30. 

The Dolphins have also struggled on Fridays, losing six of their last seven and failing to win any of their last four Friday games at Suncorp. With a post-Bennett hangover to boot, things aren’t looking promising for the Dolphins.

The Broncos should be able to cover a -13 spread against their Brisbane rivals comfortably. 

St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Melbourne Storm – Dragons to Win @ 3.040 

The Dragons will return from their round two break to respond to their narrow one-point defeat to the Rabbitohs as they prepare to host the league leaders. It was a match they should have won, having been 24-12 up early in the second half. It seemed like they lost focus once they built a 12-point lead, which likely explains why Shane Flanagan was so frustrated.

There were still some encouraging signs for the Dragons. Clint Gutherson is justifying his signing, while Tyrell Sloan’s double suggests he may have found a spot on the wing. The Dragons must maintain their intensity for the entire 80 minutes and not ease off when they go ahead.

The Storm had an opportunity to seek redemption for their grand final defeat to the Panthers as they faced the reigning premiers last week. Craig Bellamy’s men made it count. 

Just minutes into the match, Panthers’ half Nathan Cleary took a head knock and was ruled out after failing his HIA. The Panthers did not surrender and put up a solid fight, but the Storm grinded out the win still. 

Melbourne will be without their star play-maker this week, as Jahrome Hughes is sidelined with a broken hand. Tyran Wishart steps into the halfback role. Nick Meaney is out with a jaw injury, and Grant Anderson comes in to replace him.

Will Warbrick makes his return from injury on the wing, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona is absent due to concussion protocols. Lazarus Vaalepu takes his place on the bench, with Bronson Garlick also joining the reserves.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

The Dragons will look to capitalise on the key injuries the Storm have heading into this match. They have won three of their last four games against the Melbourne side at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. This is a risky call, but we believe the Dragons can tame the Storm on Saturday. 

Best Football Predictions This Week 

The international break is over, so it’s back to business as usual— or is it? This week, our football picks include one from the Championship and two from the Turkish top flight.

Sheffield United vs. Coventry City – Sheffield 1-0 Coventry @ 7.900

After the final international break of the season, Sheffield United and Coventry City will square off at Bramall Lane on Friday in a vital clash at the top end of the Championship. The Blades are in the automatic promotion spots, with only a two-point cushion over third-placed Burnley, while Coventry have risen to fifth, leading the playoff pack by the same margin.

Following a tough home loss to league leaders Leeds United in late February, their sixth league loss of the season, the Blades quickly found their rhythm again. Before the international break, they pieced together an impressive four-match unbeaten streak, including three wins. More recently, they overcame Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End, bringing their tally to six wins in seven games, with just the one loss.

Yet, they still have only a narrow two-point lead over third-placed Burnley in the intense promotion chase. With eight matches left, they’ll be eager to take another step toward an immediate top-flight return with a home victory on Friday to take back top spot.

It won’t be easy, though, as the visitors arrive in strong form, also in the hunt for promotion this season. Following a tough start to their latest Championship campaign and the departure of long-time manager Mark Robins, Coventry City turned to Frank Lampard in late November, and he led them on a striking ascent up the standings, taking them into the top six.

Since Lampard took charge, Coventry City have gathered 42 points from 21 league matches, with 13 wins and only five defeats. Remarkably, 10 of those wins have come in their last 12 outings since mid-January.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

With both sides in fine form and eager to secure three points in their promotion bids, we can expect a hard-fought, tight encounter at Bramall Lane on Friday. In one of their biggest tests of recent months, we give the Blades the edge, predicting they’ll use their defensive resolve to notch an 11th 1-0 victory of the season, and a seventh on home soil.

Bodrumspor vs. Fenerbahce – Both Teams to Score & Fenerbahce to Win @ 3.840

Bodrumspor wants to boost their chances of survival and deal a blow to Fenerbahce’s title hopes when they welcome the Yellow Canaries at the Grey Beton Bodrum Stadyumu. 

The hosts are one place and three points above the relegation zone, while the visitors are trailing Galatasaray by nine points, after slipping up before the international break.

Jose Morais has orchestrated an amazing turnaround at Bodrumspor, with the newly promoted side changing from relegation contenders to a team characterised by their tenacity, especially at the back.

While staying unbeaten in their previous eight matches, Morais’ team has been rock-solid at the back, tallying six-straight league clean sheets—seven across all competitions.

Bodrumspor faces their sternest test under Morais against Fenerbahce, but their improved defensive resilience should provide belief. This will likely be a very different contest from their 2-0 loss in the reverse fixture.

Fenerbahce are still feeling the frustration of a goalless home draw against Samsunspor. They dominated with 26 shots—six on target—and played the final 15 minutes with a numerical advantage but couldn’t break the deadlock.

Though they still have a game in hand, the draw set Fenerbahce’s title chase back by nine points to Galatasaray. Jose Mourinho’s team has under-performed in important games this season, earning only four points from a possible 18 against Eyupspor, Besiktas, Samsunspor, and Galatasaray.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Fenerbahce face a tough test here, having struggled in attack last time out despite gaining a numerical advantage, while Bodrumspor’s defensive resilience under Morais adds another layer of difficulty.

That said, the visitors boast undeniable quality, and the international break may have given them the chance to refine their attacking play. With that in mind, we back Fenerbahce to outscore Bodrum in this match. 

Konyaspor vs. Gaziantep – Draw @ 3.050

Konyaspor took a major step toward safety before the international break, and they’ll be eager to keep that positive run going when they face an in-form Gaziantep at the Torku Arena in Friday’s round 29 fixture.

The hosts gave their survival hopes a major lift by grinding out a 1-0 win over Besiktas, pushing their relegation buffer to four points, whereas the visitors are closing in on the top four with their superb recent form.

Konyaspor displayed remarkable resilience in their vital win over Besiktas before the break, with the manner of their victory proving just as significant as the result. 

Down to 10 men from the 27th minute after Melih Bostan’s dismissal, the Anatolian Eagles still found a way to break the deadlock just before half-time, courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Ugurcan Yazgili.

The team’s resolve was pushed to its limits when Alassane Ndao was sent off in the 67th minute, leaving them down to nine men for the rest of the match. Yet, Recep Ucar’s side managed to hang on for a crucial three points, which lifted them to 31 points—four points above Sivasspor, currently in the first relegation spot.

Gaziantep, on the other hand, will be looking to secure their first victory at the Torku Arena since 2022. Selcuk Inan’s team has enjoyed their best run of the season so far, with three straight league wins, including a 1-0 win over Kayserispor before the break, following earlier triumphs against Besiktas (2-1 away) and Eyupspor (3-1 at home).

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Gaziantep’s momentum seems unstoppable right now, but their away form still raises concerns, with struggles on the road throughout much of the season. Nonetheless, after a solid away win recently, they should have enough quality to at least secure a point against a Konyaspor side that’s been inconsistent but will be motivated to build on their impressive last outing. We foresee a draw in this one. 

The Best Bets to Make This Week

Let’s have a look at our picks for this week one last time before we wrap up. Here they are: 

• Luke Littler vs. Stephen Bunting – under 8.5 @ 2.140 

• Gerwyn Price vs. Rob Cross – over 9.5 @ 1.892 

• Luke Humphries vs. Chris Dobey – Dobey to win @ 2.730 

• Manuel Torres vs. Drew Dober – Dober to win @ 1.934

• Sydney Roosters vs. Gold Coast Titans – Roosters -6.0 @ 1.806

• Redcliffe Dolphins vs. Brisbane Broncos – Broncos -13.0 @ 1.917

• St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Melbourne Storm – Dragons to win @ 3.040

• Sheffield United vs. Coventry City – Sheffield 1-0 Coventry @ 7.900

• Bodrumspor vs. Fenerbahce – both teams to score & Fenerbahce to win @ 3.840

• Konyaspor vs. Gaziantep – draw @ 3.050

Lampard has made Coventry a formidable form since taking charge of the club. However, it will be tough for them to break down a resilient Sheffield side away from home. 

The Blades have won 10 games this season by a 1-0 margin, and we think this match has all the ingredients for another marginal victory. That’s what prompted us to predict the 1-0 scoreline and expect a near eight-fold return at bookmaker Pinnacle. 

For our remaining tips, we have gone for darts, boxing, UFC, and rugby league wagers. Join us and explore the best betting deals of the week, with odds sourced from bookmaker Pinnacle.   

Best Darts Prediction This Week 

We will have to wait till May 29th to find out who will become the new Premier League Darts champion. However, only a few days remain to put in outright bets for the competition. So, here’s who we think will become the new Premier League king of darts. 

Luke Littler to Win @ 2.050 

The Premier League Darts spectacle rolls into Cardiff this week. The highlight in the Welsh capital will be the clash between world number one Luke Humphries and third-ranked Michael van Gerwen. The Utilita Arena will also see exciting battles like Luke Littler vs. Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Price vs. Rob Cross, and Stephen Bunting vs. Chris Dobey.

Premier League Darts brings Thursday night events to our screens across 17 UK and European venues. The champion will be crowned at the arena on May 29th at the O2 Arena after the play-offs. Although the crowning moment is still over two months away, bookmaker Pinnacle’s deadline for outright bets is Thursday night.

The top four in the points table will progress to the play-offs in London. After two semi-finals and the final, the 2025 Premier League Darts champion will hoist the trophy. Before the start of this week’s events, Littler tops the standings with two night wins. Humphries, Price, and Van Gerwen make up the rest of the play-off zone at the moment. 

Of course, there could well be plenty of reshuffling in this list, since the play-offs are still far away. But we won’t be surprised to see the top four remain unchanged. Rankings say Humphries is currently the best player in the world, Price is fresh off a week six win in Nottingham, and Van Gerwen has seven Premier League titles to his name.

With that said, our money is on Littler defending his title. The 18-year-old thoroughly silenced the critics who doubted his ‘premature’ Premier League Darts selection a year ago. The ‘Nuke’ dominated the group stage and finished four points ahead of his namesake with a different surname, Humphries.

Littler carried on the momentum and claimed the title on finals night. He posted three-figure averages in wins over Michael Smith and Luke Humphries last season and appears to have picked up right where he left off. So, we can’t think of anyone else other than Littler taking home the trophy again.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Littler and Humphries are at the top of the winner’s odds list at bookmaker Pinnacle. While both have near-identical chances of winning, we’re tipping the shortest option to come through. 

Best Boxing Predictions This Week 

We’ve selected two bouts from opposite sides of the globe for this week’s betting picks. First up, in the land down under, Jake Wyllie takes on former world champion George Kambosos Jr. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Sebastian Fundora will defend his WBC and WBO titles against Chordale Booker.

Jake Wyllie vs. George Kambosos Jr – Over 8.5 @ 1.917 

A late change in opposition sees George Kambosos taking on Australian super lightweight champion Jake Wyllie in Sydney on Saturday. The original match-up paired Daud Yordan with ‘Ferocious’, but the Indonesian had to withdraw because of a medical situation. The organisers then scheduled a replacement bout with Wyllie. 

The 24-year-old orthodox had initially bought tickets to watch the fight, but in an unexpected shake-up, he will now fight Kambosos himself. The fight comes on incredibly short notice for Wyllie. But, the young Aussie couldn’t resist the allure of a real-life Rocky Balboa story and agreed to step in.

Wyllie brings a perfect 16-0 record to the ring, with 15 KO wins. He will be fighting for the first time since his fight with Allan Villanueva in late February. The bout ended without a result as Villanueva sustained a head injury that rendered him ineligible to finish. 

The Queenslander won the vacant Australian super lightweight title last November by beating Dylan Emery. He is an excellent fighter, but he did not face an opponent of Kambosos’ stature before. Wyllie lacks the experience, so bookies have pegged him as a massive underdog in this fight.

Kambosos has previously held the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and IBO straps. After suffering three losses in his last four outings, however, he will be entering the ring without a belt. He wants to return to the championship conversation soon and a win on Saturday will set him up against IBF junior-welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Wyllie should produce a spirited display against Kambosos, but he did not get enough to prepare for a fight of this magnitude. We see Kambosos picking up a late stoppage in this one or winning via decision. So, expect the fight to go more than eight rounds. 

Chordale Booker vs. Sebastian Fundora – Under 9.5 @ 1.840 

Chordale Booker and Sebastian Fundora will headline a Premier Boxing Champions card on Saturday night. Fundora will defend his WBO and WBC light middleweight titles for the first time. He won both straps by beating Tim Tszyu in a bloody affair last year. 

Standing at over six feet five inches with an 80-inch reach, Fundora is a physical marvel. He holds an eight-inch height advantage and a 10-inch reach advantage over Booker. ‘The Towering Inferno’ will be aware, however, that similar advantages did not help him against Brian Mendoza two years ago. 

The loss to Mendoza remains the only defeat in Fundora’s 23-fight career. He has won 21 and shared the bragging rights with Jamontay Clark in 2019. Fundora has impressive power and a sturdy chin. 62% of his wins have come via stoppage, but he managed to knock out only one of his last five opponents. 

Aside from his victory over Tszyu, Fundora also has wins over Carlos Ocampo, Erickson Lubin, Donnie Marshall, Nathaniel Gallimore, Habib Ahmed, Jorge Cota, and Sergio Garcia in his catalog. 

Booker is a southpaw like Fundora and also has a decent record. He is currently at 23-1 and has enjoyed 11 KO wins. The Stamford, Connecticut-native has shown more power in his recent fights, however. He has won four of his last five via stoppage and will be hoping to settle the bout early against Fundora as well. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Fundora will be entering the ring a year later, but he should be able to get the better of Booker. He has fought against more illustrious fighters in his career and has significant physical advantages over his opponent. That’s why we believe the fight could end early. 

Best MMA Prediction This Week 

The UFC comes to London for the 16th time on Saturday night. Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady will be the main event, but we will look at one of the preliminary match-ups for our MMA pick of the week. 

Chris Padilla vs. Jai Herbert – Herbert to Win @ 1.909 

Wolverhampton-native Jai Herbert will enjoy local support against Chris Padilla in a lightweight battle at O2 Arena. Herbert doesn’t have a great record in the English capital. That said, he will be confident of adding a win to his 1-2-1 record in London after an excellent victory against Rolando Bedoya in Dubai last year. 

Herbert headed into his UFC debut in 2020 with significant hype. He had enjoyed considerable success on the regional scene under the ‘The Black Country Banger’ moniker. Still, there were hints that the Englishman might struggle with the jump in competition. 

A fighter with the speed and size to be a clinical sniper, Herbert often got too caught up in close-quarters exchanges, which limited his ability to capitalise on his natural attributes.

Herbert’s UFC career got off to a rocky start, with three losses in four bouts, though one of those was a near-knockout of Ilia Topuria. But now, he seems to have hit his stride. Shifting to a more methodical approach, Herbert finally looked comfortable as a range striker in his recent win over Bedoya.

While his potential may be capped, Herbert should continue to be a dependable, solid lightweight in the middle of the rankings.

Padilla’s early UFC experience has been entirely different, however. His pre-UFC career was 10 years long but his CV didn’t stand out, with losses to regional fighters and struggles against any notable step up in competition. A win over UFC veteran Justin Jaynes was a glaring exception, which earned him his shot in the promotion.

While it’s unclear how far Padilla can go, he has exceeded expectations in the UFC so far. He demonstrated remarkable composure with wins over James Llontop and Rongzhu, with a swift submission of Llontop and a brutal standing elbow that led to an injury stoppage against Rongzhu.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Odds from Pinnacle suggest that it’s going to be a close contest. Herbert is the marginal favourite and we think he has the quality to grind out another victory against a relatively inexperienced Padilla. 

Best Rugby League Predictions This Week 

There are some big matchups in the NRL this week with lucrative betting opportunities. Here are three bets you can consider laying in round three: 

New Zealand Warriors vs. Sydney Roosters – Roosters -1.5 @ 2.160

New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters did not have the ideal starts to their campaigns. But both have restored confidence with vital second round wins, however. Now the Kiwis will welcome the Roosters at Go Media Stadium on Friday as each look to build further momentum. 

After Tom Trbojevic scored within the first three minutes at Go Media Stadium on Friday night, it seemed the Warriors were on track for another tough evening following their opening day loss to Canberra. 

However, they quickly turned things around, with Luke Metcalf and Wayde Egan running riot against the Sea Eagles to secure a 36-16 victory. With their attacking flair back in full force, they’ll now set their sights on exploiting a Roosters team that has conceded 14 tries in two matches this season.

Coming off what Roosters boss Trent Robinson has hailed as one of his team’s greatest victories, Sydney will be eager to build on their remarkable upset of Penrith. Although their pack was overrun in round one, they rose to the occasion in round two, led by Naufahu Whyte. 

This shift allowed Sandon Smith and Chad Townsend to execute more attacking kicks, which paid off handsomely. With a few more attacking options set to return for the trip to Go Media Stadium, the Roosters can hope to trouble the Warriors defence on Friday. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

The Warriors have not enjoyed hosting the Roosters in recent years, failing to win against the Sydney outfit at home since 2017. We’re backing the Roosters to cover a -1.5 spread in this game. 

Brisbane Broncos vs. North Queensland Cowboys – Over 50.5 @ 1.925 

Brisbane and North Queensland, two of Queensland’s most storied clubs, are set for another fierce battle at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. With a history of epic encounters, including the iconic 2015 grand final, these two teams have produced countless memorable moments. In recent times, however, the Broncos have largely dominated their head-to-head encounters. 

After a dominant win over the Sydney Roosters in round one, the Broncos were humbled by the Canberra Raiders last week. Michael Maguire has kept the same team in place as he looks to spark a return to their strong early-season form on Friday.

With tough losses to the Manly Sea Eagles and Cronulla Sharks in the opening rounds, the Cowboys are still chasing their first win of the season. To get that much-needed victory on Friday, they’ll need to snap a four-match losing streak against the Brisbane Broncos. Each of those losses has been by a margin of 12 points or more.

The Cowboys have given up 138 points across their last four matches with the Broncos. Based on their defensive performances so far in 2025, they could be facing another challenging evening against the six-time Premiership winners. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

A powerful attack vs. a struggling defence. This match seems to be the perfect recipe for a high scoring affair. Bookmaker Pinnacle has set the over/under market for this match at 50.5 points. This threshold was crossed in three of the four matches involving the two sides this season, and feels like a great bet to us. 

Cronulla Sharks vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs – Rabbitohs to Win @ 5.060 

The Sharks will look to break the Rabbitohs’ undefeated start to the season at Shark Park on Saturday afternoon. Under the guidance of master coach Wayne Bennett, the Bunnies have overcome the absences of Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray to secure consecutive wins over the Dolphins and Dragons. However, the test in Woolooware will be a far greater one.

Cronulla will be relieved to play at home after consecutive weeks on the road. Their travels to Las Vegas and Townsville, though, proved successful. They were competitive in the 28-22 loss to Penrith in Vegas, trailing just 12-10 at half-time. 

After a weekend off, the Sharks returned to beat North Queensland 36-12 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with Kayal Iro and Samuel Stonestreet both scoring doubles.

Bennett’s second spell at the Rabbitohs has been a dream start so far. With a win at Shark Park, they can go 3-0 for the first time since 2019. Bennett was at the helm of the club back then too, guiding them to 10 wins in their first 11 matches.

Tyrone Munro bagged a brace as Souths narrowly beat the Dolphins 16-14. They followed that with a stunning comeback against St. George Illawarra, overturning a 12-point deficit to win 25-24, with Jamie Humphreys’ perfect kicking display and match-winning field goal. 

Souths have demonstrated a newfound grit after Bennett’s return, but Cronulla will be their first significant challenge of the 2025 season. The Sharks won both of their meetings with Souths last season. They won 34-22 in round six and 20-6 in round 22. Overall, they lead Souths 22-18 in their head-to-head record since 1998.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

That said, it would be unfair to rule out the tremendous spirit this Rabbitohs team has shown under Bennett so far.

If this were a close call, we would have backed the Sharks without hesitation. However, with the Rabbitohs offering such a lucrative return, we believe the bookmakers are significantly undervaluing them. We’re tipping the Rabbitohs to come out on top and deliver a strong return to their backers. 

Best Football Predictions This Week 

There will be no Premier League or other club football action this week as we enter the lull this time of year. However, we do have some mouthwatering international fixtures to look forward to. Let’s find out how they can serve us from a punter’s perspective. 

Italy vs. Germany – Italy to Win @ 2.740 

Italy and Germany meet at San Siro on Thursday in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, with a semi-final berth at stake. Germany progressed through League A group three without a loss, while the Italians finished behind France in group two.

Italy, seeking redemption after a disappointing Euro 2024, started their Nations League group stage with renewed vigour. Their momentum halted after suffering a home defeat to France, a team they had previously upset 3-1 in Paris.

This meant the Azzurri had to settle for second place, yet it was still enough to book their spot in the first-ever quarter-finals of UEFA’s latest international competition. 

Before their defeat to Les Bleus in Milan, Italy had won four of five matches. Spalletti’s Italy has shown a clear upturn in form, thanks to their revised tactical strategy and some new faces in the squad. 

Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany has remained undefeated in six games since their loss to Spain in the European Championship quarter-finals last summer. They have recorded four wins and two draws to comfortably outpace nearest rivals, the Netherlands in their Nations League group.

Germany’s attack has been firing at an average of three goals per game this Nations League. As Nagelsmann prepares to stand on the dugout for the 20th time as the Die Mannschaft boss, the confidence in the German camp will be soaring high. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Germany will be without some key members as they fly to Milan for this blockbuster match. Benjamin Henrichs, Kai Havertz, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Florian Wirtz are all unavailable for selection.

Italy will be hoping to exploit this weakened German side on home soil and secure a valuable first-leg lead. They have a formidable forward line that should be able to outscore Germany in San Siro on Thursday evening. 

Paraguay vs. Chile – Paraguay 0-0 Chile @ 7.100 

The dream of a World Cup return since 2010 burns brightly for Paraguay as they welcome Chile to Asuncion on Thursday night for a crucial CONMEBOL qualifier. Currently in sixth place, La Albirroja are in the final automatic qualifying spot as the campaign resumes after a four-month break. Chile, meanwhile, hope to mount a late push following a poor start.

Following a series of lacklustre performances at the start of qualifying, Paraguay have redefined themselves in recent matches. They have been playing far more entertaining football, and more importantly, the results are also coming their way. Gustavo Alfaro’s men have scored 15 goals in their first 12 matches, but 10 of those have come in their last three outings. 

At one point, all hopes seemed lost for Chile. But a 4-2 win against Venezuela has brought them out of the bottom position. Now, they sit only four points away from a play-off position. As a result, La Roja’s World Cup ambitions are still alive. 

Ricardo Gareca has named an experienced squad to play Paraguay, making wholesale changes to the side that beat Panama 6-1 in a friendly. The likes of Arturo Vidal, Eduardo Vargas, Alexis Sanchez, and Charles Aranguiz will report for duty as Chile travel to Paraguay for their next World Cup qualifier. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Predicting a 0-0 draw is often tempting when Paraguay are involved. They have been more prolific lately, but breaking down a resurgent Chile side could be problematic for them. 

A draw would be a positive result for both teams: it would keep Paraguay comfortably in the top six, while any point on the road would be a valuable boost for Chile as they look to maximise points in their remaining home games. 

So, we are leaning towards a goalless stalemate in this match. Bookmaker Pinnacle is offering a sweet seven-fold return on this too. 

Brazil vs. Colombia – Brazil Over 1.5 @ 2.080 

Thursday night’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying schedule features a highly anticipated meeting between Brazil and Colombia in matchday one. Both teams had a frustrating November window, dropping points and losing ground on their rivals. That said, they still look set to qualify for next summer’s finals without too much trouble.

South American teams have greatly benefited from the 48-team World Cup format. Brazil, who are sitting fifth, would have faced serious elimination risks under the 32-team structure. It would have only guaranteed a play-off position previously, but now the first six teams will all qualify for the finals in North America. 

Colombia’s early form under manager Nestor Lorenzo was exceptional. Los Cafeteros were unbeaten in his first 25 matches, but they have now lost four of their last seven. Although their defeat in the Copa America final might explain part of their slump in qualifying, some alarming results suggest there are deeper issues at play.

Colombia have fallen from a secure second place to fourth in just two months. Yet, they still enjoy a comfortable six-point buffer within the top six. Even if they face another loss in Brazil, their next match at home to Paraguay offers a great opportunity for recovery.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

An away match at Brazil doesn’t seem as daunting as it used to do once, but it seems likely that the Colombians will return empty-handed from their mid-week trip. Colombia have been defensively vulnerable lately, and we expect the hosts to find the back of the net more than once. 

The Best Bets to Make This Week

Don’t forget to revisit our picks of the week so you don’t miss out on anything. Here are they are: 

• Luke Littler to win Premier League Darts @ 2.050

• Jake Wyllie vs. George Kambosos Jr – over 8.5 @ 1.917

• Chordale Booker vs. Sebastian Fundora – under 9.5 @ 1.840

• Chris Padilla vs. Jai Herbert – Herbert to win @ 1.909

• New Zealand Warriors vs. Sydney Roosters – Roosters -1.5 @ 2.160

• Brisbane Broncos vs. North Queensland Cowboys – over 50.5 @ 1.925 

• Cronulla Sharks vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs – Rabbitohs to win @ 5.060 

• Italy vs. Germany – Italy to win @ 2.740

• Paraguay vs.Chile – Paraguay 0-0 Chile @ 7.100 

• Brazil vs. Colombia – Brazil over 1.5 @ 2.080 

The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier between Paraguay and Chile could very well end in a scoreless draw. Both teams have reasons to play conservative football, and if that happens, it could present a fantastic opportunity for a seven-fold profit.

If motor racing isn’t your thing, then we have a whole suite of other bets for you to consider, with punts on MMA, rugby league, and football picks this week. With odds from bookmaker Pinnacle, if you’re looking to bet on sports over the next seven days, then you’re in the right place.

Best F1 Predictions This Week 

The 2025 Formula 1 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park this weekend. Bookmaker Pinnacle is accepting outright bets on the season winner until Friday, so here are our picks for the 2025 Drivers and Constructors Championships. 

Will Ferrari Win Constructors Championship 2025? Yes @ 2.370

Despite falling short in their pursuit of a title to end a nearly 20-year drought, Ferrari had plenty of positives to take away from 2024. The SF-24, for much of the year, was the second-quickest car on the track, allowing Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to regularly compete for victories. It was a far cry from the 2023 season, where they were largely stuck in Red Bull’s shadow. 

Leclerc led Ferrari through their mid-season dip in form, when procedural mistakes saw the Scuderia lose a significant number of points. His hard work paid off with remarkable victories at Monza and Austin and briefly sparked hopes of a last-ditch title push. Yet, the true highlight of his year came on home soil, where he broke his Monaco GP jinx to secure a win on the streets of his childhood.

Their five wins and four poles proved they could fight at the highest level, even though it wasn’t sufficient to grab the championship. Finishing just 14 points behind the leader was a well-earned reward for a team that appeared to be overcoming the nervousness that had prevented them from moving forward for so long.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Ferrari has gained significant ground in the title race under the leadership of Fred Vasseur. He made a statement by bringing in Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes. 

Hamilton, eager to bounce back from his recent slump and secure a record eighth driver’s title, will team up with Leclerc, who is in the form of his life. Together, this partnership seems to be the perfect recipe for Ferrari to end their 17-year wait for a Constructors Championship.

Will Lando Norris Win Drivers Championship 2025? Yes @ 2.630 

Lando Norris finished second in the standings last year, but we think the Briton can finally dethrone Max Verstappen this season and claim his first Drivers Championship crown. His car is the fastest on the grid, giving him a golden opportunity to take on Red Bull and Verstappen.

Norris shifted into attack mode as the season progressed last year while Verstappen found himself on the defensive, despite his significant lead. The Dutchman dug deep, using his experience to scrape over the line ahead of the McLaren ace.

The reigning world champion secured only two victories in his last 14 races—an extraordinary slump for a team and driver so used to success. Red Bull’s faded performance toward the end of the season cost them their constructors title. 

With other teams catching up, it seems likely that Verstappen’s magical driving abilities might not be enough this season for him to defend his championship. In hindsight, Norris arguably should have claimed the drivers’ title last season, as McLaren’s mid-season upgrades in Miami transformed their campaign in spectacular fashion.

McLaren may remain tight-lipped about it, but it’s obvious that Norris is their main man. Sooner or later, Oscar Piastri will be instructed to take a back seat, clearing the path for Norris to mount a title challenge.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

According to odds, Ferrari’s Hamilton and Leclerc are Norris’ biggest threats to the title. If Hamilton can rediscover his form, he and Leclerc are likely to share multiple wins. While this bodes well for Ferrari’s Constructors Championship ambitions, it would hurt the individual title hopes of both drivers. 

So, the stage seems set for a Lando Norris Drivers Championship win in 2025. 

Best MMA Predictions This Week 

The UFC concludes its three-week stint in Las Vegas on Saturday with a 13-fight card headlined by a middleweight rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze. Here’s a brief preview for the main event and the Chidi Njokuani vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos co-main event. 

Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze 2 – Dolidze to Win @ 2.270

Vettori and Dolidze will run it back on Saturday at the UFC Apex, rekindling their rivalry two years after their first meeting. In their first fight, Vettori walked away with a unanimous decision victory. Dolidze could not overcome his opponent’s incredible work rate with his superior striking power. Are we about to see a similar narrative unfold in this fight? 

Vettori returns to the Octagon for the first time since losing to top-10 mainstay Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision in June 2023. With a 9-5-1 record going into his sixth UFC main event, ‘The Italian Dream’ has been erratic in recent fights, splitting wins and losses over his last six contests.

The 31-year-old seemed destined to become the first Italian UFC champion at one point. A 7-2-1 record in his first 10 fights earned him a UFC middleweight title bout against Israel Adesanya in 2021. But he couldn’t beat Adesanya in the title match and since then, his career trajectory has gone downhill. He also suffered an injury last year, which kept him sidelined for months. 

Dolidze, meanwhile, aims to follow in the footsteps of Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili to become the UFC’s next Georgian star. He made three appearances last year, starting his 2024 campaign with a majority decision loss to Nassourdine Imavov. 

He bounced back with a dominant performance over Anthony Smith in a light heavyweight fight at UFC 303, before claiming a stoppage victory over Kevin Holland at UFC 307 in early October. With a 14-3 overall record and 6-2 in his last eight fights, one of Dolidze’s most recent wins came at the hands of Vettori.

Their first encounter at UFC 286 in London was a closely contested battle. One judge saw Vettori winning all three rounds, while the other two judges gave Dolidze the first and scored the second and third in favour of Vettori.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Bookmakers are showing strong faith in Vettori for this fight, but we feel Dolidze comes severely undervalued here. Vettori has been inconsistent lately and gone through a lengthy layoff. ‘The Caucasian’ should be able to pick up a redemption victory against a rusty Vettori and reward his backers handsomely. 

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani – Under 2.5 Rounds @ 1.847

Fans can expect a sensational striking contest when veteran welterweights Chidi Njokuani and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos meet in the Octagon for a co-main event clash on Saturday night. 

Njokuani had a strong comeback year in 2024. He dropped down to the 170-pound division and snapped a three-fight losing streak with decision victories over Rhys McKee and Jared Gooden. While he’s yet to unleash the finishing skills that earned him his UFC contract and early wins over Marc-Andre Barriault and Dusko Todorovic, ‘Bang Bang’ continues to bring his relentless style whenever he steps into the cage.

The Dallas-native effortlessly beat Gooden in his latest fight, but he lost to Michal Oleksiejczuk before that. Njokuani shines at controlling distance, keeping opponents at bay while striking from range. His fighting style makes it difficult for the opposition to land strikes on him. But stats show that Njoukani lands 63% of his attempts on the opponent. 

Dos Santos, on the other hand, had a mixed 2024 campaign. After suffering a unanimous decision loss to Randy Brown at UFC 302 before bouncing back with a first-round stoppage win over short-notice replacement Zach Scroggin in early November. 

With a record of 25-8-1, Dos Santos is one of the most overlooked fighters in the division. He has been a mainstay in the welterweight ranks for nearly 10 years and has been always reliable in delivering solid performances.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Dos Santos is the favourite to win this fight, but we explored the total rounds market to find better value. If the 38-year-old wins this battle, as bookies are expecting him to, it’s likely going to be a submission win. He is an excellent grappler and should take advantage of Njokuani’s poor ground game. 

If Njokuani wins, it’s likely to be by knockout or technical knockout, given his striking superiority. Either way, this doesn’t seem like a fight that will go the distance. Therefore, we’re taking up bookmaker Pinnacle’s offer of under 2.5 rounds at 1.847.

Best Rugby League Predictions 

Week two of the 2025 NRL season begins on Thursday. Here are our betting picks for three key match-ups this week:

New Zealand Warriors vs. Manly Sea Eagles – Sea Eagles -8.5 @ 2.000

The Manly Sea Eagles will travel to Go Media Stadium on Friday evening for an NRL week two clash with New Zealand Warriors. The home team will look to secure the first victory of their season after a disappointing defeat to the Canberra Raiders in Las Vegas. 

However, the next assignment for Andrew Webster’s men rarely gets any easier as they must take down a Manly team that ran riot against the North Queensland Cowboys in their season opener. 

Daly Cherry-Evans proved age is just a number with a brilliant performance that propelled the Sea Eagles to a dominant victory. The 36-year-old halfback scored once and set up three more tries as Manly kicked off their campaign with a demolishing win. 

It wasn’t just Cherry-Evans who shone for Manly; the team’s other key players were also at their destructive best. 

Tom Trbojevic was in top form, slicing through opposition defences, setting up plays, and running for 234 metres. Haumole Olakau’atu was a constant threat, overpowering everyone in his line of sight, while Lehi Hopoate proved he’s on the rise as one of the most exciting young stars in the game.

Anthony Seibold would have been delighted to see his team firing on all cylinders. The tactician now set his sights on Auckland for the next tie, and pre-match stats suggest this could be another win for his team. 

Manly have lost just once in their last six encounters with the Warriors. Having only won four of their past 10 games at Go Media Stadium, the Warriors’ current home record also gives their supporters very limited hope.

For most of the game, the Warriors’ halves Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita battled to breach the Raiders’ defence. Without Shaun Johnson’s leadership, New Zealand’s assault seemed disorganised, and it will be difficult for Webster to correct this against a strong Sea Eagles club.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

As it stands, the Warriors’ camp seems to be struggling with too many unanswered questions. In contrast, the Sea Eagles appear far more stable and have a strong record against the Kiwi side. For these reasons, we see great value in picking the Sea Eagles to cover a -8.5 spread at 2.000 odds with bookmaker Pinnacle.

Canberra Raiders vs. Brisbane Broncos – Broncos -11.00 @ 1.877

Brisbane will put their Premiership credentials to the test against the Raiders in the Australian capital this weekend. The hosts are back in action after a lengthy break following their impressive 30-8 victory against the Warriors in Las Vegas. Now they must face a Broncos team that dispatched the Roosters 50-14 in their first match. 

Canberra will start as underdogs, and their task has only become more daunting with skipper Joe Tapine and prolific winger Xavier Savage suspended following the Vegas opener. Albert Hopoate, who missed the Stateside trip for the birth of his first child, steps in for Savage on the wing, while new recruit Matty Nicholson is set to make his club debut off the bench. 

Nicholson comes with plenty of hype but will have to hit the ground running to stand up against Brisbane’s formidable forwards, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan.

Brisbane has brought their strong pre-season form to their regular campaign, and are showing no signs of slowing down. Michael Maguire has decided to stick with the same team that thrashed the Roosters. 

The Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds halves pairing is already proving to be an elite mix of experience and class. The duo has been playing as if they have been partners for years. Overall, the Broncos have an incredibly balanced side. But a young, fearless Canberra unit will be a solid test for them, regardless. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

No team in the NRL has a better front-row pairing than Brisbane. Haas and Carrigan lay an unstoppable foundation and give their halves the perfect launchpad to exploit opposition defences.

Canberra have an excellent front-row duo in Josh Papalii and Corey Horsburgh as well. But at this time, it seems evident that the Broncos will significantly outscore the Raiders. We believe they can easily cover the -11.0 spread.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Gold Coast Titans – Bulldogs -9.0 @ 2.010 

The Titans are the only team yet to play their opening match in the NRL. Their wait ends on Sunday when they go to Belmore Sports Ground to lock horns with the Bulldogs.  Cameron Ciraldo’s team displayed the same red flags as last season in their opener and will be hoping to avoid another disappointing performance.

The Bulldogs were in control with a 28-6 lead in the second half last week. But a lack of focus saw the Dragons score three unanswered tries, bringing the scoreline much closer—a scenario that Ciraldo will no doubt be unhappy with. The Bulldogs ultimately left the pitch with an eight-point win, but it could have been a far more comfortable match for them. 

After a first-round bye, the Titans will be eager to kick start their season with stars like David Fifita and Preston Campbell in the squad. Their Pre-Season Challenge results were mixed, featuring a 50-12 loss to Brisbane and a 26-18 win over the Dolphins. However, the win came at a cost, as Kieran Foran suffered a bicep tear, sidelining him for three months. 

This is a tricky match for both teams. The Titans have a dynamic and quick back-line, and with Fifita in top form and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui back from injury, they could very well start the season with a bang.

That said, Des Hasler’s side won’t look back fondly on their trip to Belmore last year. They were thrashed 32-0 by the Bulldogs in round three, and to make things worse, Fa’asuamaleaui suffered a knee injury that ended his season.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Gold Coast have a promising halves pairing in AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell, but they might take some time to find their footing. Though they are a strong and steady team, the Bulldogs must ensure they can keep up their performance level for the whole 80 minutes.

They should be able to do that in front of their home crowd. An on-song Bulldogs team should win this match by double digit points, so we’ll back them to cover a -9.0 spread at odds of 2.010 with bookmaker Pinnacle.

Best Football Predictions This Week 

We usually preview the weekly Premier League football action in this section. But this time we’re looking further afield for value, and bringing three football betting picks from different parts of the world. 

Las Palmas vs. Alaves – Draw @ 3.100 

A vital relegation fight in La Liga on Friday night sees Alaves face off against Las Palmas in a high-stakes encounter. While 19th-placed Las Palmas needs a reaction following their 1-0 loss to Real Betis, Alaves, in 18th place, will be hoping to build on their surprise 1-0 victory against Villarreal.

For Las Palmas, who have not experienced success in La Liga since before the winter break, the turn of the year has only brought challenges. Diego Martínez’s men were in fine form to close out 2024, winning four of five matches. But a miserable run of eight defeats in 10 has dragged them into the relegation battle.

Los Amarillos arrive at this fixture on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis. It was their 15th loss in Spain’s top flight this term.

Alaves enjoyed an impressive 10th-place finish in La Liga last season, but the 2024-25 campaign has been far more challenging. They are a step above their Friday evening hosts in the standings, but that won’t be enough to escape relegation, if they remain in the same spot at the end of the season. 

The Basque side come into this match following a remarkable 1-0 triumph over Villarreal, with an early goal from Manu Sanchez making the difference. The result was even more impressive considering the side had to play with nine men for the latter stages of the game.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Alaves will be eyeing a La Liga double over Las Palmas. They won the reverse fixture and enjoyed more success in recent head-to-head meetings. That said, it won’t be easy replicating that result outside the Mendizorrotza.

With both teams missing key players, this clash at the bottom of the table is set to be a compelling one. Alaves may have the edge heading into the match, but we think Las Palmas will secure a draw.

Cavalier vs. Inter Miami – Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.570 

Inter Miami has the opportunity to reach the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Thursday by avoiding a big defeat to Cavalier at National Independence Park in Kingston. In the first leg, the Herons edged out the Jamaican Premier League champions 2-0. That means, Miami will go through if they win, draw, or don’t lose by more than a one goal margin in the second leg. 

The first leg was far more competitive than many had predicted. Cavalier had only 31% of the ball throughout the match, but they made their possession count. They rattled the woodwork in the 33rd minute and threatened the hosts a few more times. But the sheer difference in quality mattered in the end, as Miami unlocked the resolute Cavalier defence in the second half. 

The team’s cohesion and defensive discipline were commendable, but it will be an uphill battle for them to overturn a two-goal first leg deficit. They have managed to win by more than a two-goal margin only once this year, and it’s safe to say that breaking through Miami’s defence will be much tougher than against Molynes United.

Cavalier have failed to win any of their six home games in 2025. They scored one goal or less in four of these matches. In their last Champions Cup encounter at Independence Park, they were beaten 2-0 by FC Cincinnati, conceding goals late in both halves.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

There is little incentive for Miami boss Javier Mascherano to go for a gung-ho approach in this match. So, this should be a low-scoring game. We see great value in backing the under 2.5 goals market, available at odds of 2.570 on bookmaker Pinnacle.

Al-Nassr vs. Al Kholood – Both Teams to Score & Al-Nassr to Win @ 2.660

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr welcome Al Kholood to their home ground on Friday night, looking to build on the confidence their recent AFC Champions League triumph brought about. The home team will start the match in fourth position. Their opponents, meanwhile, have climbed to 11th in the rankings, thanks to a recent surge in form.  

Before confronting Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League, Stefano Pioli’s squad had just one win in their last six games. Al-Nassr recovered in front of their home audience with a commanding 3-0 victory, though, following a goalless draw in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter.

Pioli matched Jhon Duran with Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, and it worked. Both players found the back of the net within 27 minutes. Now, they will look to help improve Nassr’s poor form in the league and take their 2025 points tally to seven points in five outings. 

Al Kholood, on the contrary, have been in good form lately. They have won three out of their last four matches. Over the long haul, Noureddine Zekri’s team has claimed eight wins from 13 matches. Considering they’ve gained promotion to the Saudi Arabian top flight this year, it’s an incredibly impressive feat.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 12th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Al-Nassr’s marquee attack can help them nick the full three points in this match. That’s why we will bet on Al-Nassr winning with both teams to score. 

The Best Bets to Make This Week

We will look at our highlight picks of the week before saying our goodbyes. Here they are: 

• Will Ferrari win Constructors Championship 2025? Yes @ 2.370

• Will Lando Norris win Drivers Championship 2025? Yes @ 2.630 

• Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze 2 – Dolidze to win @ 2.270

• Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani – under 2.5 rounds @ 1.847

• New Zealand Warriors vs. Manly Sea Eagles – Sea Eagles -8.5 @ 2.000

• Canberra Raiders vs. Brisbane Broncos – Broncos -11.00 @ 1.877

• Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Gold Coast Titans – Bulldogs -9.0 @ 2.010 

• Las Palmas vs. Alaves – draw @ 3.100 

• Cavalier vs. Inter Miami – under 2.5 goals @ 2.570 

• Al-Nassr vs. Al Kholood – both teams to score & Al-Nassr to win @ 2.660

La Liga relegation battlers Las Palmas and Alaves present the most enticing betting opportunity this week. Both teams will be desperate to avoid defeat in this match, so chances for a draw is quite high. Bookmaker Pinnacle is offering great prices for a draw in this match, which we feel is too good to refuse. 

With the sharpest odds from bookmaker bet365, here are the bets we recommend taking this week.

Best MMA Predictions This Week 

UFC nights in Las Vegas are always special, with Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev headlining an exciting card for UFC 313 this Saturday. Here are the best betting picks for the night: 

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev – Pereira to Win via KO/TKO/DQ @ 2.30

Pereira prepares for a severe trial as he is set to defend his UFC light heavyweight strap one more time. He has already fended off three challengers, but a long-denied Ankalaev could be his toughest test yet. Ankalaev has waited long to become the world champion and will be looking to make amends for his UFC 282 failure. 

The Dagestani did not lose his previous title fight, but he could not win it either. He challenged Jan Blachowicz for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title, but only managed to secure a split draw against the Polish fighter. Safe to say it was not his best performance, as the crowd booed him off the arena in the end. 

He is a remarkable fighter, nonetheless, with a win-less streak of 13 fights in the division. Ankalaev lost to Paul Craig in his UFC debut, but since then, he has won 11, drawn one, and ended a fight in no contest. His overall MMA record stands at 19-1-1, and in the UFC, it’s 11-1-1. 

Ankalaev returns to world title contention two years after his first attempt. This time, he needs to beat the best of the division to claim the crown. Pereira has had the honour of holding world championship titles in two different UFC classes. The former kickboxer made his UFC debut in the middleweight division in 2021, and worked his way to a title fight within a year. 

He beat Israel Adesanya in UFC 281 to snatch away the UFC middleweight championship. ‘The Last Stylebender’ avenged the defeat six months later, and after that demoralising loss, Pereira decided to try his luck elsewhere. The recently-axed middleweight champion faced Blachowicz in his first light heavyweight fight, three months after losing the middleweight belt. 

‘Poatan’ has not looked back since. He beat Blachowicz and then won the vacant UFC light heavyweight belt by beating Jiri Prochazka. Pereira beat Prochazka again to defend the title and also denied Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Pereira has finished his last four fights inside the distance. Ankalaev may pose a challenge in the early rounds, but we expect the Brazilian to secure a knockout later on. Bookmaker bet365 is offering odds of 2.30 for a Pereira KO/TKO/DQ win, which is a great price. 

Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev – Gaethje to Win via Decision/Technical Decision @ 4.00

A hand injury to Dan Hooker has forced UFC to call off its original UFC 313 co-main event plan. Now, Rafael Fiziev will replace Hooker and take on Justin Gaethje in a sudden rematch between the two lightweights. Fiziev returns to action for the first time since suffering a knee injury against Mateusz Gamrot in September 2023.

Before facing Gaethje, Fiziev had strung together an impressive six-fight win streak, including knockout victories over Renato Moicano, Brad Riddell, and Rafael dos Anjos. It seemed only a matter of time before he secured a title shot, but a majority decision loss to Gaethje threw a spanner in the works.

Fiziev will be desperate to avoid a third successive defeat and add one more win to his MMA record that currently stands at 12-3. He will also feel a drive of redemption as he prepares to trade blows with Gaethje once again. Last fight was a close one, so Fiziev can hope to get his hands raised after the fight this time. 

Gaethje has lost five times in his 30-bout career, so he is not invincible. He’ll be eager to get back to winning ways after being knocked out by Max Holloway in his last fight. Since he has won against Fiziev before, the Arizona native will feel confident ahead of this encounter. He had lost to Charles Oliveira before his last fight against Fiziev, so perhaps he’ll see the Azerbaijani as his lucky charm.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Both fighters, however, will feel that they are under-prepared for this rematch. Fiziev agreed to the fight on short notice and Gaethje may not have prepared the same way he would have for Hooker, who presents a different challenge in terms of physique and power.

But, we believe Gaethje is better positioned to win this. Fiziev seems to need more work to return to his best and this rematch appears to have come too soon for him. This should be another decision win for ‘The Highlight’. 

Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes – Turner to Win via KO @ 3.75

Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes is another lightweight match-up on the UFC 313 main card. Turner will seek to regain momentum after a harsh run of results, while Bahamondes will try to move up the ladder with a statement win. 

Turner enters this fight following a loss to Renato Moicano at UFC 300, and has lost three of his last four bouts. While he did secure a quick finish against King Green, his recent record also includes close decision losses to Hooker and Gamrot. 

Turner’s 14-8-0 record tells the story of a fighter who has gone through a roller-coaster ride throughout his career. He has shown the grit and determination to learn from his mistakes and go at it again. So, he will be looking to find some stability with a win and put an end to this rough patch. 

Bahamondes arrives in Las Vegas riding a wave of momentum. The 2020 Dana White’s Contender Series graduate secured back-to-back first-round stoppages and consecutive Performance of the Night bonuses. His victory over Manuel Torres at UFC 306 improved his record to 16-5, with a strong 5-1 run in his last six UFC appearances.

Despite being relatively close in age—Turner, 29; Bahamondes, 27—the fight carries a veteran vs. prospect dynamic. Turner’s extensive experience against elite opponents makes this a significant test for the younger Chilean.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

The physical traits of these fighters are quite similar. That said, Turner’s southpaw stance and a two-inch reach advantage give him a strategic edge. ‘The Tarantula’ can inflict damage to Bahamondes before he moves out of range. 

We like the chances of a Turner knockout victory here. He is the better striker between the two, and also has more experience. Knowing this, we will take up bookmaker bet365’s odds of 3.75 for a Turner KO win. 

Best Rugby Union Predictions This Week 

Six Nations 2025 is set for its penultimate week. Ireland and France will meet in a potential title decider at Aviva Stadium, while England will also be in action against Italy. Let’s see what bets we can consider from these ties. 

Ireland vs. France – Ireland -1.0 @ 1.90 

Bookmakers had France favourite to lift the Six Nations title this year ahead of a three-peat chasing Ireland. France had the best side on paper and Ireland had to make do without their coach Andy Farrell, who led them to back-to-back Six Nations titles. But, Ireland are now within touching distance of making history as we enter the final weeks of the 2025 Six Nations.

Caelan Doris and company will move a whole lot closer to retaining the title if they can beat Les Bleus on home turf. Ireland are the only team in the competition who are yet to taste defeat, and after seeing off England, Italy, and Wales, will be confident of getting the job done in Dublin. 

Aviva Stadium has been a Six Nations fortress for Ireland. They are on an impressive 10-game winning run at the arena, but their recent encounters were close. England came within five points of the reigning premiers in the opening fixture. Before that, Ireland saw off Scotland by four points in front of the roaring Aviva crowd in 2024. 

France recovered from their round two loss to England with a spectacular 73-24 triumph over Italy in Rome. It’s the largest win they have recorded in their Six Nations history. France now have a +91 points difference, which is the highest they’ve ever had after three rounds of a campaign.

The talismanic Antoine Dupont was in red-hot form against the Italians. France needed such a statement performance from their star player. He will be aiming to carry that form to Dublin as France head into the most crucial match of their Six Nations campaign.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

With the tournament’s two highest-ranked teams facing off, the destination of the trophy likely hinges on this result. Ireland have already claimed the Triple Crown and will be determined to secure both the Six Nations title and a potential Grand Slam. Despite the challenge of hosting a powerful French side, Ireland’s strength makes them favourites for victory.

We anticipate a tightly contested match, so backing Ireland to cover a -1 spread appears to be a solid bet. While the promise of a 1.9x return may not be particularly high, it offers good value given the lower risk involved.

England vs. Italy – Over 54.5 Points @ 1.90 

England will have an eye on the proceedings at Aviva Stadium, but Steve Borthwick’s men must get the job done against Italy to keep their title hopes alive. A draw or a France win would be the best outcomes for England, but they will still be relevant in the permutations if Ireland win. So, the hosts will be eager to pick up a bonus point win in this one. 

Italy, on the other hand, have a different motivation to do well in this match. The Azzurri had a great start to their campaign following a win and a commendable performance against Scotland. But a thrashing against France and a resurgent Wales have brought back the Wooden Spoon fears. So, Gonzalo Quesada’s men will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance at Twickenham. 

England have won their last four home matches, but they have won each of their last three Tests by a single point. They will be hoping for a bigger win against Italy, however, since a bonus point might prove valuable in the final title equation. 

England are strong favourites to win the clash on Sunday. The head-to-head record heavily favours the English, who have triumphed in every previous encounter between these two sides. Italy’s recent morale-sapping loss to France further boosts England’s chances of continuing their winning run. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

This is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair. The Italian defence struggled to cope with the dynamic French attack, and things won’t be much easier against England. 

It was a closely fought contest last year, with England prevailing by three points. But the circumstances lead us to believe that England will win by a significantly larger margin this time around and the overall points tally should go over 54 points.

Best Rugby League Predictions This Week 

The first round of the 2025 NRL season continues this weekend as the action returns down under. Here are the matches we are targeting for our weekly sports bets: 

Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos – Broncos -8.0 @ 2.10 

The Roosters will attempt to prove their critics wrong as they kick off their season against a revamped Brisbane team. Trent Robinson’s squad has undergone a significant transformation, with the departure of key veterans like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Luke Keary. 

The Roosters’ recent head-to-head record against the Broncos is compelling. They won five of their last six matches against their Brisbane rivals, including a double-digit double last year. They have not fallen to the Broncos since their 2023 trip to the Gabba.

Things, however, could be a bit different this year. With a new halves and centre combination to begin the year, the Roosters are likely to face challenges finding their rhythm. Nevertheless, Robinson’s track record of consistently delivering finals appearances suggests they remain a formidable contender in 2025.

Brisbane’s squad remains largely the same as in 2024, but they’ll feel like a stronger outfit in 2025, provided they can keep their players fit. The arrival of Ben Hunt and Michael Maguire is expected to bolster their chances of a finals return. 

Brisbane boasts a formidable forward pack. They can create space for their backs and allow Reece Walsh to unleash his brilliance alongside the experienced halves pairing of Adam Reynolds and Hunt.

However, judging by their trial form, the Broncos may face a challenging season ahead, as the winner of the Pre-Season Challenge has struggled to make the top eight in recent years.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

The Roosters might experience some early season turbulence and the Broncos could take advantage of it. The visitors should be able to cover the -8.0 spread and get their campaign off to a winning start. 

Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights – Knights to Win @ 2.25 

The Wests Tigers’ 2025 season begins with a clash against the Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. There’s a sense of optimism for Tigers fans as they head into the new campaign, following a promising pre-season that included a narrow loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs and a 12-point victory over the Parramatta Eels.

Tigers fans will finally get to see their star acquisition Jarome Luai in action. The ex-Penrith Panthers halfback will wear the captain’s armband as first-choice skipper Api Koroisau serves a suspension. The Western Sydney side will be hoping Luai’s premiership experience can help them recover from a disastrous 2024 campaign, with a win against the Knights serving as a crucial first step towards that goal.

Meanwhile, the Knights are heading into the season with confidence, following a resounding eight-try triumph over the Roosters in their last preseason game. Adam O’Brien’s side seem to have found a gem in Fletcher Sharpe at No 6. Sharpe showed incredible agility and speed to clock more than 190 meters across the two pre-season games. 

Newcastle’s 2024 campaign came to an abrupt halt at the hands of the North Queensland Cowboys in an away elimination final. The Knights are determined to make a deeper run this year and will aim to build momentum with a victory over last season’s wooden spoon holders.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

If we look at the stats, we must acknowledge that the Knights justify the favourites label. They are on a six-match winning streak against the Tigers. Also, the Tigers failed to win their opening round fixture over the last five years. 

But, the Tigers did appear to be a revitalised side across the trial matches. The Knights barely made the top eight last year and did not turn heads in the finals. They failed to produce any resistance against the Eels in the pre-season, but bounced back with a dominant win against the Roosters. 

We are not sure what to expect from the Knights at the moment, but the morale at the Tigers’ camp seems to be quite high right now. So, we will back an underdog win for the Tigers, which is sweetly priced at 2.25 at bookmaker bet365. 

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Redcliffe Dolphins – Dolphins -2.0 @ 2.00 

The Dolphins were the original hosts of this match, but Cyclone Alfred forced a change of plans. The Redcliffe side must now travel south to lock horns with South Sydney Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium. 

Kristian Woolf aims to guide the Dolphins to their maiden finals appearance in the club’s brief three-year existence. The return of captain Tom Gilbert will be a significant boost for the team as he will play his first match since 2023. However, Woolf will be hoping for a stronger showing than his team’s last pre-season game, which saw his side suffer a heavy defeat to the Titans.

Woolf’s mentor Wayne Bennett is in charge of the Rabbitohs. The former Dolphins coach returns to South Sydney for a second stint as the club looks to improve on its 17th-place finish in 2024. 

However, the NRL veteran can hardly claim that things have improved at the Rabbitohs camp. Bennett has already lost Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray to long-term injuries. They have also lost both of their pre-season games, making it hard to be optimistic about the Rabbitohs’ chances in this match.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Dolphins and Rabbitohs are both looking to have a better season than their last campaign. The Rabbitohs are yet to hit form and have already sustained some major injuries. All things considered, the Dolphins should win this match and cover the -2.0 spread comfortably to reward their backers with a 2x return. 

Best Football Predictions This Week 

We will finish off with two Premier League predictions. Here are the weekend football bets we recommend: 

Brighton vs. Fulham – Brighton to Win and Both Teams to Score @ 3.60  

Brighton will look to extend their winning run in the league to four matches as they welcome Fulham to the AMEX Stadium. The Seagulls brought their winning form to the FA Cup last week. They put a formidable Newcastle side to the sword in a 2-1 affair and set up a quarter-final meeting with fellow Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest. 

The match seemed set to head to penalties, but former Manchester United and Arsenal man Danny Welbeck found the back of the net in the 114th minute to send his team through. Leading up to that match, including wins over AFC Bournemouth (2-1), a 4-0 thrashing of Southampton, and a double victory against Chelsea (3-0 in the Premier League, 2-1 in the FA Cup). 

Fulham, meanwhile, hit the road again after overcoming a tense FA Cup fifth round clash at Old Trafford. The Cottagers knocked out Manchester United in a 4-3 penalty shootout, with Bernd Leno keeping out attempts from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee. 

Fulham’s recent run included 2-1 wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, separated by a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace. They had also previously won 2-1 in an FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic.

Both of these teams are in great form, so this could be a tough match to call. But one thing seems certain that there will be goals in this match. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Surprisingly, Fulham’s offensive output has been more effective away from Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s side has generated 19.9 xG on the road, compared to just 18.1 at home. Brighton’s recent attacking form is also impressive, with 7.7 expected goals in their last three matches. 

Brighton should be able to win this match in front of their home fans. But we expect Fulham to bag one or more consolation goals. 

The pick here, therefore, is Brighton to win with both teams to score. Bookmaker bet365 offers healthy odds of 3.60 for this combination. 

Crystal Palace vs. Ipswich Town – Mateta to Score @ 2.10 

Crystal Palace will look to pick up another victory, at Ipswich Town’s expense, and keep their push for a European spot alive. Palace are seven points off seventh placed Bournemouth ahead of the clash. The Tractor Boys, on the other hand, are anchored in the relegation zone, sitting five points adrift of safety.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 59th-minute goal was enough to give Crystal Palace a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on December 3rd. The Eagles will look to bag all three points once again as Ipswich continues to struggle with the intensity of Premier League football. 

Palace also had a struggling start to their Premier League campaign as well. They had only one win to show for their first 13 matches. Oliver Glasner, however, managed to inspire a turnaround as Palace managed to win eight of their last 14 Premier League matches. 

Ipswich Town were eliminated from the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest on Monday night, following earlier victories over Coventry City (4-1) and Bristol Rovers (3-0). Their League Cup campaign was shorter as it ended with a penalty shootout defeat to AFC Wimbledon in the Second Round. 

The early cup departures could be a silver lining, allowing Kieran McKenna’s side to commit their full focus on Premier League survival. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 5th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Mateta, who bagged the winner the last time these two teams met, could hit the target for the hosts once again. The Frenchman has scored 12 goals in the Premier League this season and has scored four times in the last five matches. 

Backing Mateta to score against a relegation-threatened defence seems like a safe bet, especially with bookmaker bet365 offering a 2.10x return.

The Best Bets to Make This Week

Let’s revisit our weekly picks before saying our goodbyes. Here they are: 

• Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev – Pereira to win via KO/TKO/DQ @ 2.30

• Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev – Gaethje to win via decision/technical decision @ 4.00

• Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes – Turner to win via KO @ 3.75

• Ireland vs. France – Ireland -1.0 @ 1.90 

• England vs. Italy – over 54.5 points @ 1.90 

• Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos – Broncos -8.0 @ 2.10 

• Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights – Knights to win @ 2.25 

• South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Redcliffe Dolphins – Dolphins -2.0 @ 2.00 

• Brighton vs. Fulham – Brighton to win and both teams to score @ 3.60  

• Crystal Palace vs. Ipswich Town – Mateta to score @ 2.10

Brighton winning against Fulham with both teams scoring is our highlight pick of the week. Both teams are in great attacking form, but the Seagulls should be able to outscore the Londoners in a high-scoring affair. 

From a punter’s perspective, rugby league is a sport brimming with betting potential. There are a lot of ways to find value in the available markets. In this rugby league betting guide, we will explore the common markets and discuss some tips that can maximise our chance of winning. 

Let’s begin with the markets. 

Match Result 

As always, we will start with the match result or moneyline bet. If anyone chooses to place this bet, they need to successfully predict which team will win a certain match. If their prediction comes through, they win. 

Example: 

We will use this screenshot from William Hill to explain how match result bets work in rugby league. Here, William Hill offers odds of 1.20 for Hull Kingston Rovers to beat the Salford Red Devils in their Super League encounter. The odds for a Salford win is at 4.33 and the bookmaker values a draw at 4.33. 

Since draws are incredibly rare in rugby, bookies always offer high prices for one. In this particular case, the bettor would get a 23x return for successfully predicting a draw. The low odds for Hull KR shows that they are the favourites to win in this match. On the contrary, Salford are underdogs. 

• Hull KR at 1.34: This means a successful £10 bet on Hull KR would return £13.40 (your £10 stake + £3.40 profit).
• Salford Red Devils at 4.33: This means a successful £10 bet on Salford would return £43.30 (your £10 stake + £33.30 profit). 

The odds shown in the screenshot is for the match result within the 80th minute. If the match goes to extra time after a stalemate in regulation time, only punters who bet on a draw will be eligible for claiming their winnings. There are also markets for total match results, which consider the final outcome, including extra time.

Handicaps 

Rugby league punters view handicap bets or spread bets as a safer and more lucrative alternative to match result bets. In many cases, match result bets are unattractive because the favourite team has very short odds. Betting on the winner doesn’t produce a significant profit.

On the flip side, betting on the underdog is also riskier. Since the likelihood of an underdog win is slim, the chances are high that you will lose your money. Handicap bets present a great solution to this dilemma. 

Bookmakers assign a positive handicap to the underdog and a negative handicap to the favourite team. The odds are usually identical or close for both the positive and negative handicap. That means, you can back the favourite or the underdog at almost the same odds. 

The handicap value is fixed by the bookies, but there is a special form of handicap betting that allows punters to choose from several handicap values. This is called line betting. You can choose narrower or wider handicaps, depending on your risk appetite. 

Example: 

Here are the handicap values Pinnacle has set for the NRL 2025 opener between Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors. As you can see, there are different handicap values for the match and the odds vary as you move across the line. 

Let’s have a closer look at the +2.5 and -2.5 handicap markets: 

• Canberra Raiders at +2.5: The positive handicap implies that the Raiders are the underdogs and the bookies have given them a 2.5-point head start. This means the Raiders must win this tie or lose by two points or less for the bet to pay out. 

• New Zealand Warriors at -2.5: The Warriors are the favourites, so the bookies have slapped a 2.5-point deficit on them to even the playing field. As a result, the bet will only be successful if they win by three or more points.

Winning Margin 

Bookmakers also offer winning margin bets for rugby league matches. These are also a great option to gain more value from low-risk bets. Winning margin bets are quite similar to handicap bets. 

Example: 

The screenshot from bet365 shows the winning margin market for the Raiders vs. Warriors match. You can choose to take the bet for either Raiders or the Warriors to win by a margin from 1-12 points. If the winning margin is higher, say the Warriors or Raiders win by 13 points or more, the bet won’t pay. 

Future Bets 

Future bets are long term bets that punters place on rugby league competitions. These bets are placed well before the season ends. Instead of individual matches, these bets focus on the entire season. Outright winners, highest try scorer in a competition, wooden spoon winner in a tournament; all of these are future bets. 

Example: 

Here are the outright odds for the NRL 2025 season on Pinnacle. As you can see, the Melbourne Storm, Penrith Panthers, and Brisbane Broncos are the favourites to win the competition. Some bookies also allow placing bets after the season begins. 

The odds would reset based on the performances of the teams in the competition. Odds for some underdogs might get shorter because of their solid performance. On the flip side, odds for some powerhouses could lengthen if they don’t live up to expectations. 

Try Scorers

Betting on try scorers is a common market in rugby league. The first try scorers market is the most popular among these. It’s not an easy prediction to make, but wingers and fullbacks are often the usual suspects since they tend to score more. 

While agility, flair, and speed often make backs and wingers the top try scorers, it’s not always the case. Powerful forwards can also break through defences and muscle their way to the try line. A smart punter will study a team’s recent performances and try scorers to make a more informed wager in this market.

Example:

Let’s have a look at the tryscorer markets for the Raiders vs. Warriors game. As expected, Raiders winger Xavier Savage tops the chart. Interestingly, Warriors centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is his nearest competitor. 

You can choose to select any of the first, last, and anytime scorer markets. The risk factor is relatively lower in the anytime scorer market, so the odds are also shorter. 

How to Bet on Rugby League: Special Tips 

Now that you are familiar with the markets, let’s talk strategy. Keep these essential tips in mind to make smarter rugby league bets:

Study Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record 

Just like in any other sport, momentum matters the most in rugby league betting. You need to look at the recent forms of teams and lay your bets accordingly. If you have reasons to believe, however, a team can snap its recent slump, go for it. But, it’s a decision you should take based on facts, not gut feeling. 

The head-to-head record and home crowd support also come into play. Look at the home and away forms of the teams, and how the teams have fared against each other in the past. Some teams might always do well in certain match-ups, regardless of form. Don’t disregard such historic elements when making your bet. 

Consider Player Availability 

The presence or absence of key players can significantly swing the momentum of the match. A team might have been on a roll lately, but now that their star winger or forward is suspended or injured, there is a considerable possibility that their hot run is going to end soon. 

A key injury can throw a spanner in the works for the coach and even derail a punter’s betting strategy. Study the team’s squad depth and assess how they might cope with the issue. If you believe their form is set to dip, adjust your bets accordingly. If you expect them to maintain their momentum, wager with confidence.

Exploit the Handicap 

Bookmakers assess the potential outcome of a match when setting the handicaps. However, their evaluation may not always align with your own reading of the game. This creates an opportunity to spot undervalued bets. Always be on the lookout for such opportunities. 

Let’s say a bookmaker has set the handicap too low since they did not take into account that the opposition attack is too good. If you can identify the window, however, don’t hesitate to take it. Handicaps are generally low-risk bets, but if you can play your cards right, you would rarely lose money. 

Consider Fixture Congestion and Fatigue

Rugby league is a physically demanding game. Players need proper recovery time before moving on to their next challenge. So, well-rested teams are always a safer bet, even if they come up against a much stronger side. If you want to make underdog picks, this is the best situation to do so in rugby league.

In the spotlight this week is the UFC Fight Night 253 main event, where rising flyweight Asu Almabaev clashes with explosive striker Manel Kape in a battle of styles that speaks high voltage. Meanwhile, Serie A heats up as Bologna, the season’s Cinderella story, faces a stern test against European giants AC Milan in a match that could reshape the league’s top-four race. And to kick off the NRL season with a bang, the Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors collide in a renewed rivalry, where raw physicality and redemption narratives take centre stage.

We’ve analysed these events and come up with the 10 best bets to make this week, using odds from bookmaker Pinnacle. Whether you’re here for the technical chess match in the UFC, the tactical drama of Italian football, or the bone-crunching intensity of rugby league, we’ve got something for everyone.

Best Boxing Predictions This Week 

Let’s start with three betting picks for three exciting bouts on both sides of the Atlantic. Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan comes first. 

Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan – Crocker to Win @ 1.943

Crocker and Donovan will headline the “Point of Pride” card at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Saturday night. Since this is an IBF welterweight title fight eliminator, this all-Irish clash is a major battle for both. A victory in this one will place the winner only a fight away from a world title.

British boxing fans adore Crocker as one of the biggest entertainers inside the ring. He currently has an invincible record of 20-0, with only one shy of a dozen KO wins. Pushing forward with a high guard, Crocker relentlessly seeks openings to inflict damage.

Despite being a crowd-pleaser, the 28-year-old has his weaknesses. His decision to stay in range led to a firefight with Conah Walker in June. While this approach helps him maintain pressure, it also gives opponents openings to land their own shots. This is a vulnerability Donovan will seek to exploit. 

Donovan has a strong amateur background, the looks of a K-pop star, and the guidance of former world champion Andy Lee. This is quite an interesting mix, which prompted Top Rank to sign him up on a promotional contract. 

Like his next opponent, Donovan is yet to taste defeat. He has stretched his winning streak to 14 fights, matching Crocker’s tally of knockout victories. However, the Limerick man may feel he should have progressed further by now if not for circumstances holding him back. 

Donovan travels to Belfast fueled by a determination to leave his injury and pandemic-induced struggles behind. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Donovan has declared that he will knock out Crocker in front of his hometown fans. However, that won’t be an easy feat, considering the fight will take place at the Croc’s den. Donovan appears to be the more polished and technically superior boxer, but the outcome of a fight can be influenced by factors beyond pure skill.

If Crocker can deflect Donovan’s counters with his high guard and fire back with damaging punches, we predict he will pull off a huge victory on home soil.

Sandor Martin vs. Alberto Puello – Puello to Win @ 1.800

Sandor Martin and Alberto Puello go head to head in one of the three world title fights taking place on Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Puello will defend his WBC super lightweight strap against Puello before Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach face off in the main event. 

Puello is eager to retain his title, but Martin, who has yet to push his career to the next level, will throw everything into disrupting his plans. On paper, this looks like a battle of equals.

The Barcelona-born Martin, starting his pro career in 2011, brings significantly more experience than his Dominican rival, who began in 2015. However, Puello’s 23-0 record speaks for itself. Martin, on the other hand, has a 42-3 record in his 45-fight career. 

None of these fighters are quick finishers. Martin has a knockout rate of 36% in his large career. Puello’s knockout ratio is slightly higher at 44%, but it doesn’t put him on par with the division’s best punchers. 

Puello also holds a slight physical edge over Martin. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, he has a two-inch height advantage over his opponent, who measures 5 feet 7 inches. The Dominican also enjoys a reach advantage, stretching 71 inches against Martin’s 69 inches.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Martin has a wealth of experience and he is still only 31 years old. That said, he has not been very active in recent years. The European super lightweight champion will be stepping inside the ring for the first time since beating Mohamed El Marcouchi in December 2023. He might have to overcome significant ring rust to challenge Puello. 

Puello has been more active in recent times, and he has fought more high-profile fighters. He beat Batyr Akhmedov in 2022 to win the WBA super lightweight title. Two years later, he added the WBC belt to his haul with a win against Gary Antuanne Russell.

A win for Puello seems to be almost inevitable in this bout. Therefore, we like the price bookmaker Pinnacle is offering for a Puello victory. 

Lamont Roach vs. Gervonta Davis – Under 8.5 Rounds @ 1.884

Roach and Davis will treat the Barclays Center crowd to a WBA lightweight title fight after an exciting undercard display. 

Davis remains undefeated at 30-0, with an astonishing 28 knockouts. Davis has fought just 138 rounds since his 2013 professional debut, thanks to his exceptional power. Some of the scalps he has knocked out include Rolando Romero, Leo Santa Cruz, Ricardo Nunez, Jesus Cuellar, Hugo Ruiz, Jose Pedraza –  certainly not fighters to sneeze at. 

Holding a remarkable 93.3% knockout ratio, Davis has only seen the final bell twice as a pro—once against German Meraz in a six-round bout in 2014 and again versus Isaac Cruz in December 2021. 

The Tank secured the vacant WBA lightweight Belt in December 2019 with a 12th-round stoppage of Yuriorkis Gamboa. He successfully defended it a year later with a sixth-round knockout of Leo Santa Cruz before moving up in weight to defeat Mario Barrios for the WBA super lightweight title.

With a record of 25-1-1 and 10 knockouts, Roach Jr. has fought 172 rounds since his professional debut in 2014. The 29-year-old has fought 34 rounds more than Davis, even though he started his professional career a year after the Baltimore native. He measures 5 feet 7 inches tall with a 68-inch reach, giving him a slight 1.5-inch height edge over Davis.

USA Boxing honoured Roach in 2013 as the most outstanding American boxer after he clinched the National Golden Gloves title in the 132lb division. His CV also features five Ringside World Championship titles, a National PAL Championship in 2011, and two Junior National Golden Gloves titles.

Since turning professional, he has picked up highlight wins over Rene Alvarado, Jonathan Oquendo, Alberto Mercado, Rey Perez, Luis Hinojosa, and Alejandro Valdez.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

We will bet on the under market in this fight for obvious reasons. Needless to say, this is going to be a boxing spectacle between two excellent fighters. But, Davis has a clear edge in power. Roach could make him work in the early rounds, but we don’t see this lasting beyond the seventh round. 

Best MMA Predictions This Week 

UFC Fight Night 253 heads to Las Vegas on Saturday night. Here are our three top picks for the event: 

Luana Carolina vs. Montana De La Rosa – Carolina to Win @ 1.714

The UFC Fight Night 253 preliminaries have Montana De La Rosa and Luana Carolina scheduled for a women’s flyweight fight. With both fighters coming off victories, they’ll be determined to keep their momentum going—though only one will emerge with a streak intact.

La Rosa, heading into this weekend, has a 13-9-1 professional MMA record. She dropped three of her last four fights but won her most recent one against Andrea Lee. However, that victory has a large question mark hovering over it since Lee has struggled significantly in recent years, with eight losses in her last 10 UFC outings.

When La Rosa steps into the Octagon, there’s a strong chance the fight will go the distance. In seven of her past nine fights—including her June 2024 split decision victory against Lee—judges intervened. Although a drawn-out race might work for her, her recent difficulties call into doubt whether she can really maximise the later rounds.

Riding a three-fight winning run, Carolina is set to square off against La Rosa. Her most recent triumph, an easy decision against Lucie Pudilova, has lined her up for a possible fourth straight triumph, increasing her career-winning percentage to 80%.

Carolina is enjoying the best spell of her UFC career. Her recent form saw her bag five wins in seven matches. Now, she stands on the verge of cracking the top 15 in the flyweight rankings.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

As things stand, it’s hard to be optimistic for La Rosa in this fight. The flyweight veteran has struggled against quality opposition, and Carolina seems too hot for her to handle now. We will be surprised if the 31-year-old cannot continue her winning run. 

So, we are taking up bookmaker Pinnacle’s offer of a potential 1.714x return on a Carolina win. 

Julian Marquez vs. Cody Brundage – Marquez to Win @ 1.740

Julian Marquez and Cody Brundage are all set to co-main the UFC Fight Night 253 in the middleweight bout on March 2. Both fighters come into the face-off with a win-less 2024, so the stakes will be higher than ever for them. 

Marquez, “The Cuban Missile Crisis”, enters this fight with a solid 9-5-0 professional MMA record. He has built a reputation as a high-pressure striker who relentlessly pushes forward, using a stand-up game to overwhelm his opponents. 

His aggressive approach has won him accolades in regional promotions, but it also leaves him somewhat exposed to take-downs. As well as this, he has been going through tough times for the last few years where he has been knocked out in all three of his most recent fights.   

Opposite him, Brundage, with a professional record of 10-6-0-1, has seen more action despite starting his UFC career years after Marquez. He relies on a well-rounded skill set anchored in collegiate wrestling and solid grappling. 

Though his striking is still evolving, Brundage’s methodical approach, marked by smart clinch work and effective ground control, could disrupt Marquez’s rhythm. However, Brundage, too, has been struggling for the last few of his bouts, seeing only two wins in the last five. In his last bout, he was submitted by Bo Nickal, so he may not be fully confident about his strength, and his ground game.    

Marquez will look to keep the fight on the feet and capitalise on his striking power. On the other hand, Brundage will aim to neutralise that offence with his grappling and take-down strategies.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

The outcome of the fight will likely hinge on whether Marquez’s offensive barrage can override Brundage’s calculated control on the ground. However, we predict that the former will prevail because of his striking superiority and experience of fighting against more capable fighters. 

So, we are taking up bookmaker Pinnacle’s offer of a potential 1.740x return on a Marquez win. 

Asu Almabaev vs. Manel Kape – Fight Over 4.5 Rounds @ 1.740

UFC Fight Night 253 has Asu Almabaev and Manel Kape slated to clash inside the Octagon on March 2 as the main event. Both fighters, rising stars of the flyweight division, will face off with distinctive styles and ambitions.

Almabaev enters the bout with a stellar record of 21-2-0, having a fighting style of technical striking and solid grappling. His game plan is a mix of controlling opponents on the ground and dominating with crisp stand-up skills. This has been evident in his record, winning all five of his last bouts. However, his tendency to rely on clinch work and ground exchanges could leave him exposed to a high-tempo striker.

Conversely, Kape, with a record of 20-7-0, has carved out a reputation as an explosive finisher, with his career punctuated by early knockouts and a lightning-quick stand-up game. His aggressive approach and rapid-fire combinations make him a dangerous opponent on the feet. He is now ranked sixth in his division, winning four of his last five encounters. That said, Kape’s focus on speed and striking power only might prove risky if he is forced into prolonged grappling exchanges. 

As the fight unfolds, Almabaev will likely look to mix his grappling with technical strikes to dictate the pace. He will aim to neutralise Kape’s early aggression and take control on the ground. Meanwhile, Kape is expected to press forward, keeping the bout at a stand-up pace to capitalise on his speed and knockout power. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

There is a strong indication that Almabaev will take Kape to ground for grappling battles multiple times in the bout, which should mean that the match will get well past the initial rounds. Moreover, we all know that a good match-up of a strong ground game and explosive striking power only means a tight match.

This is why we are taking up bookmaker Pinnacle’s offer of a potential 1.740x return on the fight to be over 4.5 rounds.

Best Football Predictions This Week 

Bologna vs. AC Milan – Milan to Win @ 2.640

AC Milan is preparing to visit Stadio Renato Dall’Ara to face Bologna in a classic Serie A encounter. The match set to take place on Friday will be a hard one to predict for any analyst, let alone a football fan. 

AC Milan’s recent troubles continue to mount after a disastrous week that saw them exit Europe in humiliating fashion and then succumb to a 2-1 defeat at Torino. The Rossoneri’s calamity began in the Champions League playoffs against an injury-ravaged Feyenoord, where victory slipped away, only to be compounded by a clumsy performance in Serie A. Malick Thiaw scored two own goals in a single match, a rare and disconcerting blunder, while Christian Pulisic’s penalty fizzled after a series of impressive saves by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. 

Their recent form is equally troubling away from home, having lost four of their last five matches across all competitions. These inconsistencies have cast a long shadow over their campaign and leave them vulnerable heading into a fixture against a Bologna side that has repeatedly made Stadio Renato Dall’Ara a fortress.

Bologna currently stands eighth in the league table, just behind AC Milan with equal 41 points. They are in flying form, with a single loss in their last six league encounters. Although a 2-0 loss to Parma briefly interrupted their unbeaten run, the Emilian outfit remains focused on climbing the standings to secure European football. 

Milan, hampered further by injury concerns with key players like Loftus-Cheek and Kyle Walker sidelined, may resort to a makeshift back-line. With Bologna enjoying a more settled setup, pundits expect a tight, low-scoring affair.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Even with Milan’s current form, we cannot just ignore the fact that they have yet to lose a single match in their last 17 league meetings with Bologna. This speaks volumes. With Bologna losing their unbeaten streak to 17th-placed Parma, it’s more plausible than ever that AC Milan will come victorious against them.  

As a result, we like the look of bookmaker Pinnacle’s offer of a potential 2.640x return on an AC Milan win. 

RB Leipzig vs. Mainz 05 – Leipzig to Win @ 1.970

RB Leipzig is set to take on Mainz 05 in a Bundesliga encounter at their home venue on Saturday. The fifth and sixth place holders will look to win to get into the fourth place and ensure a European qualification with a win. 

RB Leipzig is having a decent run for the last few games except for their 1-0 loss against SK Sturm Graz at the UCL. They have secured three victories and two draws out of their last six home matches in the Bundesliga. Goals from Sesko and Lois Openda provided a glimpse of their attacking potential  In their last match against FC Heidenheim 1846. But their defensive lapses ought to be mentioned, which prevented a full victory. 

Mainz has been performing well in their recent encounters, winning three out of their last six matches in the Bundesliga. They will be buoyed by their latest 2-0 home win over FC St. Pauli, where Paul Nebel and Lee Jae Sung each found the net. The 05ers have built a reputation for a resilient defensive setup, ranking second in the league in goals conceded with just 24 in 23 matches. Offensively, they average 1.6 goals per game and boast a superior +13 goal differential, the fourth-best in the league.

Sesko will be pivotal for Leipzig in the Mainz encounter, as he has been the key contributor for the team. He has till now provided 10 goals alongside three assists. Xavi Simons and Willi Orban will also add a further dimension to their forward play. For Mainz, Jonathan Burkardt is the primary catalyst, complemented by Lee Jae Sung’s six-goal, three-assist tally, and Nebel’s efficiency, recording six goals. Overall, the stats indicate a tough fight. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

The Leipzig and Mainz match-up definitely promises to be a tactical battle. Leipzig’s quest to improve their offensive strength and Mainz’s sturdy defensive form set the stage for a tight contest, road to the fourth place. 

However, given the dominating stats of Leipzig against Mainz in their previous encounters and the fact that the game is taking place on their home ground, it’s safe to say that RB Leipzig will come out victorious. Take the odds of 1.970 at bookmaker Pinnacle on an RB Leipzig win. 

Rayo Vallecano vs. Sevilla FC – Rayo Vallecano to Win @ 2.390

Sevilla FC is all set to visit the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas to face off against Rayo Vallecano in a Lalga encounter on Saturday, March 1st. With Rayo currently occupying sixth place and eyeing European qualification, and Sevilla struggling in the lower mid-table with continental hopes dwindling, this matchday 26 encounter promises high stakes.

Rayo Vallecano has been one of the season’s surprises, bagging till now 35 points from 25 matches. Under manager Iñigo Pérez Soto, they’ve developed an effective playing style characterised by defensive solidity and sharp counter-attacks. Their home record has been key to their ascent. However, their last two defeats have been a blow to their splendid consistency. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Villarreal and another expected 1-0 loss against Barcelona may have eroded their season-long confidence a bit. 

Sevilla FC, on the other hand, has struggled to find a rhythm this season. Managed by Francisco Javier García Pimienta, the Andalusian outfit sits uncomfortably in 13th place after 24 matches. They have only seen a single win in their last five encounters in La Liga. Their away form has been particularly concerning, with only three wins during the whole season till now. Another alarming is their goal differential of minus five. Sevilla’s defensive vulnerabilities indicate that they remain exposed to counter-attacking play.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

If we consider head-to-head stats, the Rayo Vallecano vs. Sevilla FC outings have often been tightly contested. However, the current form tilts the balance in favour of the home side. Sevilla’s recent injury setbacks, including the loss of captain Nemanja Gudelj, may further hinder their performance. 

In a tightly contested match, we can expect that Rayo Vallecano’s solid home defence should neutralise Sevilla FC’s inconsistent attack, leading to a narrow victory for the hosts. Take up bookmaker Pinnacle’s offer of a potential 2.390x return on a Rayo Vallecano win. 

Best NRL Predictions This Week 

Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors – Over 41.5 @ 1.884

The new NRL season is ready to kick off with the Canberra Raiders facing the New Zealand Warriors at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. As pre-season forecasts have not favoured them as top-eight contenders, both teams will be looking forward to making a strong statement.

The Raiders’ lineup includes back-rowers Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies, who, despite recent off-field controversies, have been named to start. Coach Ricky Stuart has opted for Jamal Fogarty and Ethan Strange in the halves, while veteran prop Josh Papali’i begins on the bench. Notably absent is Albert Hopoate, who remains in Australia for personal reasons. 

The Warriors, fresh from an impressive pre-season, are set to introduce key signings James Fisher-Harris and the returning Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Fisher-Harris, who played a major role in Penrith’s recent premiership successes, will strengthen the front row. Tuivasa-Sheck’s return will add depth to the Warriors’ backline. However, the team faces challenges with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak sidelined, due to a wrist injury. This has prompted a reshuffle that sees Taine Tuaupiki starting on the wing. 

Last season, the Raiders and Warriors split their encounters, with the Raiders securing a narrow 20-18 victory in their most recent meeting. This time around, the match is expected to be close. Corey Horsburgh and Fisher-Harris will be the key positional battles to watch out for. Additionally, the contest between debutant Savelio Tamale and veteran Tuivasa-Sheck on the wing promises to be a treat to the eye.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 26th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

In the season’s tight opener, we can expect a high-scoring face-off, with a big possibility of the total points surpassing the 41.5 points margin. Historically speaking, 10 of their last encounters have seen an average of 44.2 total points, which indicates a trend toward offensive game-play. 

This is why we are taking up bookmaker Pinnacle’s offer of a potential 1.884x return on total points over 41.5.

The Best Bets to Make This Week

Before placing your wagers, review our top picks across boxing, MMA, football, and NRL for maximum value and excitement:

• Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan – Crocker to win @ 1.943

• Sandor Martin vs. Alberto Puello – Puello to win @ 1.800

• Lamont Roach vs. Gervonta Davis – under 8.5 rounds @ 1.884

• Luana Carolina vs. Montana De La Rosa – Carolina to win @ 1.714

• Julian Marquez vs. Cody Brundage – Marquez to win @ 1.740

• Asu Almabaev vs. Manel Kape – fight over 4.5 rounds @ 1.740

• Bologna vs. AC Milan – Milan to win @ 2.640

• RB Leipzig vs. Mainz 05 – Leipzig to win @ 1.970

• Rayo Vallecano vs. Sevilla FC – Rayo Vallecano to win @ 2.390

• Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors – total points over 41.5 @ 1.884

AC Milan and Rayo Vallecano capturing victories this weekend stand out as high-reward opportunities for those looking to make the best bets this week. Milan’s historical dominance over Bologna and Rayo’s home advantage against a struggling Sevilla make these picks both strategic and lucrative.

For starters, Saudi Arabia will host one of the best boxing events of all time with six mouthwatering fights. Adding to this, ice hockey might not be the hottest game internationally, but the rising tensions between USA and Canada should make the 4 Nations Face-Off final a fun watch. 

In this week’s preview, we have explored both events and also looked at some other betting opportunities. Overall, we are confident that this week’s picks are among the most exciting ones we’ve made in recent times. We have collaborated with bookmaker Pinnacle to bring you the best wagers of the week. 

Best Boxing Predictions This Week 

The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia continues its bid to become the new Mecca of boxing with another stacked card this weekend. Here are our betting picks for three fights of the night. 

Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz – Under 10.5 Rounds @ 1.917 

Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz is one of the half a dozen title fights we will get to see on Saturday night at the Kingdom Arena. Adames will bring the WBC world middleweight strap to the ring, while Sheeraz seeks recognition for his impressive form with a crowning achievement. 

Adames has been steadily making his mark in the middleweight division. In June, he dominated Terrel Gausha en route to a unanimous decision win. Before that, he halted former world champion Julian Williams in the ninth round to successfully defend the WBC interim belt he had won eight months earlier with a ruthless third-round stoppage of Juan Macias Montiel.

Sheeraz, in the meantime, stopped Tyler Denny in the second round to keep his Commonwealth and WBC Silver Middleweight belts and add the EBU European Belt to his collection. The 25-year-old now has a brilliant 21-0 record, with 17 knockouts wins. He has held the Commonwealth and WBC belts since 2022. 

Adames’ record stands at 24-1 ahead of the bout, with 18 KOs. He is on a five-fight winning run since losing to Patrick Teixeira in 2019 for the WBO interim light middleweight title. The Dominican Republic boxer has not fought many high-profile boxers other than Teixeira, Gausha, and Williams. But, his opponent does not have much experience in this regard either. 

Sheeraz is yet to trade blows with the division’s elites and Adames comes as the biggest step-up in his career so far. He has beaten the likes of Austin Williams, Liam Williams and Bradley Skeete, but Adames poses a more significant threat. Also, a world title is on the line, so the stakes are higher than ever. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Adames and Sheeraz are both heavy hitters. The WBC world middleweight champion has knocked out seven of his last 10 opponents. Sheeraz has an even more impressive record as he will be looking to extend his streak of KO wins to 16. 

Whichever way this fight eventually goes, we believe this is going to end early. So, we are putting our money on the under 10.5 rounds market. 

Israil Madrimov vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr – Ortiz Jr to Win @ 1.840 

Israil Madrimov and Vergil Ortiz Jr are set to make history by becoming the first boxers to take part in a WBC super welterweight title fight in Saudi Arabia. Ortiz will look to prove his credentials against a former world champion. Madrimov, meanwhile, will attempt to relive the glory of owning a world title strap. 

Overcoming knockdowns in the first and eighth rounds to edge out Serhii Bohachuk by a dubious majority decision, Vergil Ortiz Jr. faced adversity in a fight full of drama to earn the interim belt in August.

Israil Madrimov had an equally difficult challenge that same month. He pushed Terence Crawford all the way but finally failed by dropping to a close unanimous decision. His effort to claim the WBO interim junior middleweight title fell agonisingly short and resulted in the first blemish on his professional record.

The Uzbek fighter now has a 10-1-1 record, including seven KOs, and will be looking to return to winning ways with a statement victory against Ortiz. Before taking on Crawford, Madrimov fought Magomed Kurbanov for the vacant WBA light middleweight title. The Russian could not survive Madrimov’s onslaught for more than five rounds.

Ortiz has established himself as one of the most exciting youngsters in boxing. Although the 26-year-old’s flawless 22-0 record is remarkable, his knockout power really distinguishes him—21 of his wins have come inside the distance, resulting in an amazing 95.4% knockout ratio.

He’s secured impressive victories over a formidable list of opponents, including Bohachuk, Thomas Dulorme, Fredrick Lawson, Michael McKinson, Egidijus Kavaliauskas, Maurice Hooker, Samuel Vargas, Brad Solomon, Antonio Orozco, and Mauricio Herrera. Notably, he was the first to stop Herrera.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Both Madrimov and Ortiz carry power, but Madrimov was too hesitant in his loss to Crawford last year. Ortiz, meanwhile, was far more aggressive in his all-out war with Bohachuk. If Madrimov starts cautiously, this could unfold as a slow-burning chess match. 

But with their skills so evenly matched, the deciding factors will likely be their chins and sheer desire to win. Ortiz’s high-pressure style gives him a slight advantage if he can turn it into a firefight. So, we predict Ortiz as the likely winner of this bout. 

Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev – Bivol to Win @ 1.970

Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev will be the headline act of the night in Riyadh. The duo fought in this arena just four months ago to decide the undisputed light heavyweight king. Bivol gets the chance to have another shot at the crown and Beterbiev will try to retain his throne with back-to-back victories against the former WBA champion. 

Last October, Beterbiev and Bivol’s first meeting was as close as it gets. Many felt it deserved a draw, but Beterbiev claimed Bivol’s WBA strap, gave him his first pro loss, and stayed undefeated. The triumph confirmed Beterbiev as the indisputable light-heavyweight champion; now, in the much awaited rematch, he aims to extend his reign.

In October, Bivol produced a near-flawless display—his defensive work was outstanding, making him the first man to avoid being stopped by Beterbiev. However, the concern for Bivol is that Beterbiev still has another level to reach, despite winning the first fight.

Beterbiev improved in their first meeting as the fight progressed until finally he tipped the odds in his favour. He has a great chance of winning once more if he finds his groove earlier in the rematch. While Bivol could require more than just another outstanding defensive performance, he will need judges who really value his approach since it seemed unfair that none gave him the nod last time.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

However, we do believe Bivol can avenge his loss this time around. He showed great courage to take the fight to Beterbiev in the first fight, and we don’t think he hit the ceiling of his abilities. Bivol will look to frustrate Beterbiev with his swift in-ring movement and make the most of the openings he gets. 

As we said, Beterbiev has room for improvement as well, but that seems a bit more unlikely considering he is not getting any younger. He celebrated his 40th birthday last month, and there were subtle signs of decline in the previous fight. Beterbiev remains a brutal boxer, but a drop off by minimal margins could take the fight away against someone like Bivol. 

Best Ice Hockey Predictions This Week 

The 4 Nations Face-Off championship game will pair up Canada and USA less than a week after their feisty battle in Montreal. We’ll share our prediction for the match, along with two crucial NHL futures betting picks that are approaching their deadlines.

USA vs Canada – USA to Win in Regulation Time @ 2.500

The Bell Centre in Montreal became a fiery battleground when the USA met Canada for their 4 Nations Face-Off pool stage match. With tensions running high between the two nations, the US national anthem was met with loud boos from the passionate home crowd.

The animosity spilled into the rink as three fights broke out between players before the clock hit the ten second mark. A Jake Guentzel brace and a Dylan Larkin goal helped the away side to ignore the hostilities and pick up a vital 3-1 win. Canada punched their ticket to the final by beating Finland on Monday. 

With both Matthew and Brady Tkachuk struggling and Auston Matthews missing from the last round-robin game against Sweden, USA might be feeling the weight of injuries. Still, the Americans came agonisingly close to scoring a point, striking the post five times in a 2-1 loss that eventually had little bearing.

The USA will be under pressure playing in Boston, especially since the players have compared this event to the Olympics or Stanley Cup Final. But Canada also bears the extra weight of having won five straight events on North American territory since 1996 and three consecutive best-on- best trophies.

USA can match the calibre of the Canadian team on ice even with the injury and illness obstacles, including Charlie McAvoy’s absence as shutdown defenseman. The Americans have the upper hand in goal, as Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy contender, outshines Jordan Binnington, whose shaky tournament performance has resulted in a .892 save percentage and a 2.60 GAA.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Hellebuyck was at his best in the first meeting between these teams, and after Conor McDavid scored the opener on Saturday night, nothing got past the USA netminder. He will play an important role in the final, as we expect the Americans to produce another defensive masterclass and win the title.

Tampa Bay Lightning to Win the NHL Atlantic Division @ 6.610

Florida Panthers currently lead the NHL Atlantic Division with 71 points to their name after 57 matches. The Panthers are the safest pick since they have taken home two of the last three division titles and have featured in the last two Stanley Cups. They also have one of the finest defences in the league. However, we see value elsewhere. 

Tampa Bay Lightning trail Panthers by five points, but they have two matches in hand. They have scored more (197-192) than the Panthers, but have conceded less (153-165). When the season kicked off, the Lightning were largely ignored, but now they sit third in the division standings.

Even if some bettors would still overlook Tampa Bay in the title chase, there are strong arguments to give it some thought. Though they lost Steven Stamkos in free agency, the Lightning still boasts one of the best teams in the league. They signed former Penguin and Hurricane Jake Guentzel in his place, who amassed an amazing 77 points last season for both sides. 

Let’s not forget, the Lightning still have key stars like Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Victor Hedman on their squad. Kucherov, Point, Guentzel, and Brandon Hagel have each scored at least 21 goals this season. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy remains one of the top netminders in the NHL.

Averaging 3.67 goals per game, the Lightning are the top-scoring team in the NHL. After a 7-6-1 start, Tampa Bay has gone 16-10-2. Though they suffered a run of six losses in nine games from late December to mid-January, the Lightning are unquestionably among the best teams in the Atlantic Division and the NHL.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

If the Lightning can steer clear of injuries and find consistency, they have a legitimate opportunity to overtake Toronto and Florida in the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay still has four crucial games—two each against the Maple Leafs and Panthers—that could ultimately determine their position in the standings. 

We, however, have faith in the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions of 2020 and 2021. So, we will back the Lightning to win the Atlantic Division. 

Winnipeg Jets to Win the Western Conference @ 6.060

Winnipeg Jets occupy the top spot in the NHL Western Conference. They have amassed 81 points in 56 outings. The Jets have a healthy nine point lead over the second placed Dallas Stars in the Central Division, who have a game in hand. No Pacific Division team is near them either, with Edmonton Oilers and Golden Knights also trailing them by nine points.

The Winnipeg Jets have started the 2024-25 NHL season strong, leading the Central Division for much of the campaign with a blend of veteran experience and young talent. With Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele leading the charge, the Jets attack has been nearly unstoppable. Connor has been particularly exceptional; he ranks among the top 10 scorers in the NHL having scored 26 goals and 60 points in 48 games.

His partner in crime, Schiefele, has also been one of the best NHL attackers this season. He has bagged 27 goals and 54 points for the Jets and also commanded a place in the NHL top 10 scorer’s chart. Combined with the offensive contributions of Gabriel Vilardi, Josh Morrissey, and Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg boasts one of the most formidable attacks in the league.

A much-improved defence makes the 24-25 Jets unit more formidable than the ones we have seen in recent seasons. Josh Morrissey, a former Norris Trophy winner, anchors the blue line, while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck—arguably the NHL’s best—has been a game-changer between the pipes.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Hellebuyck dominates the NHL’s goaltending stats, leading in goals-against average (2.02), save percentage (.927), and wins (29). His stellar play has been key to Winnipeg’s success, as the Jets kicked off the campaign with eight consecutive wins. Even a 6-4 defeat to division-leading Toronto couldn’t slow them down—they responded with another seven consecutive victories.

The Jets have been the team to beat in the Western Conference all season, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. With the NHL’s top goaltender and a high-octane offence, betting on Winnipeg to win the division at the current odds presents excellent value.

Best Golf Prediction This Week 

Some PGA Tour heavyweights have chosen to skip the 2025 Mexico Open. While that’s bad news for spectators, it opens up more exciting avenues for punters. Here is our 2025 Mexico Open prediction. 

Akshay Bhatia to Win @ 14.940 

Akshay Bhatia has shown his mettle at the Genesis Invitational, where he finished ninth. He also has fond memories of playing at Vidanta. Bhatia finished fourth here only two years ago, and this year, he could better that by lifting the trophy. He is a fierce competitor for this week’s challenge at Vidanta because of his length off the tee and skill with handling windy conditions.

Bhatia has been consistent this year, finishing inside the top-40 in all five of his starts, with a T9 last week marking his best result. Unlike many of his Torrey Pines competitors who are preparing for the Florida Swing, the two-time PGA Tour champion is chasing his third win this week.

This could be the first time in his career that he looks at the field and realises he is the man to beat. Such a confidence boost can be transformative for a young player, particularly as many of his starts, like last week’s, come against some of the game’s elite.

Considering Bhatia’s success on tropical resort-style courses, it’s hard not to be excited about his chances this week. While we usually refrain from picking the pre-tournament favourites, the top brass has often made the difference in this competition. Jon Rahm and Tony Finau trading the top spots in the first two years of the event validates this argument. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Double digit odds against a field of this quality makes it nearly impossible not to pick Bhatia here. It might seem like a safe pick, but our intuition tells us that it won’t be a great week for longshots at Vidanta.

Best Football Predictions This Week 

The Premier League will be back this weekend with some exciting clashes. With so many options to choose from, we have made these three picks: 

Leicester City vs. Brentford – Brentford to Win @ 2.010 

Leicester City welcome Brentford, a side which have been mid-table mainstays this season, on Saturday as they attempt to crawl out of the relegation zone. 

Leicester City’s fortunes have hardly improved under Ruud van Nistelrooy, as the Foxes remain locked in a relegation scrap with Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The transfer window did little to lift spirits, as only Wayo Coulibaly arrived from Parma.

Leicester City’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend has left them languishing in 19th place in the Premier League. Their leaky defence has been a major issue, with 55 goals conceded—making them the second-worst in the league behind Southampton (57).

Thomas Frank’s Brentford continue to impress, pushing for a top-half finish after a 1-0 victory over London rivals West Ham. The Bees sit 11th in the Premier League with 34 points from 25 matches, backed by an impressive attacking display this season.

Brentford have netted 43 goals this season, with Bryan Mbeumo (14) and Yoane Wissa (11) leading the charge. A win would propel them into the top half, and they’ll be hoping for a repeat of their previous clash, where Kevin Schade’s stunning hat-trick and a Wissa goal secured a 4-1 triumph.

Brentford will feel confident heading into this fixture, not just due to their league position but also their strong recent record against Leicester. The West London outfit are unbeaten in their last three matches against Leicester, with the East Midlands side failing to keep a clean sheet in those games.

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Leicester City have lost their last three matches. Their form at King Power has been far from inspiring as well. Leicester will walk out on the pitch, hoping to avoid a sixth successive home defeat. 

For all the reasons stated above, we believe Brentford are set to pick up an easy away win here. Bookmaker Pinnacle is offering more than a twofold return on a Leicester win, and we would recommend taking it. 

Everton vs. Manchester United – Everton to Win @ 2.610 

Manchester United continue its transition period under Ruben Amorim with an away trip to Goodison Park this Saturday. Everton are under new management as well, but their recent results have been the exact opposite of those of Man United’s. David Moyes has sparked a resurgence after taking charge of the Toffees mid-season. Now, he prepares to face one of his former employers at their most vulnerable state. 

Moyes had taken charge of Man United after Sir Alex Ferguson had retired. The Chosen One’s tenure was short-lived, however, as he failed to meet the lofty expectations of the Old Trafford faithful. 

Manchester United can hardly argue that they managed to reach the highs of the Ferguson-era ever since. Even though they finished second twice since their talismanic manager left, they never felt like challenging for the title. Their struggles have worsened in recent years, despite a few domestic cup victories.

Right now, Manchester United are 15th in the league with 29 points under their belt. Everton sit a place above with one more point. 

Top four seemed within reach when Amorim had taken the reins. The Red Devils were only four points away from a guaranteed Champions League spot, but now the gap has widened to 15 points. 

Amorim’s men come to this match following back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Crystal Palace. They failed to score on both occasions. Everton, meanwhile, won four of their last five matches. In the only match they failed to win in this run, Everton forced title-chasing Liverpool into sharing the spoils. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Everton are the favourites to win this match, and we believe betting on them would be a smart move. 

Bournemouth vs. Wolves – Both Teams to Score & Bournemouth to Win @ 3.250 

Bournemouth will look to consolidate their place in the Premier League top five with a comfortable home win against Wolves. Bournemouth have been one of the most impressive teams in the English top-flight. A 2-0 loss against Liverpool ended their 12-match unbeaten run across all competition, but Andoni Iraola’s men gave the league leaders a run for their money. 

The Cherries returned to winning ways by beating Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals Everton in the FA Cup 4th round. They followed it up with a 3-1 win at St. Mary’s against Southampton. And now, Bournemouth looks to rebuild the momentum with another bottom-placed team. But it might not be a walk in the park. 

Vitor Pereira became the new Wolverhampton Wanderers coach in mid-December. Since his arrival, he has made Wolves a trickier side to face. But, their resilience could not propel them far away from the danger zone. Wolves are now 17th in the table, with only two points separating them from 18th placed Ipswich. 

Pereira’s men would consider themselves unlucky to return empty-handed from Anfield last week. Arne Slot’s men took a 2-0 lead in the first half, but Wolves dominated the second half and created several opportunities to level the game. Matheus Cunha beat Alisson with a marvelous long-range strike to cut the deficit, but the equalising goal remained out of reach. 

※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 19th, 12:00 AM (GMT)

Wolves should be able to breach the Bournemouth defence if they can replicate their last match’s performances. However, we don’t believe it would be enough to snatch away points from Vitality Stadium. 

The Best Bets to Make This Week

Make sure to go through our betting picks of the week once again before you put in your bets. Here they are: 

• Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz – under 10.5 @ 1.917 
• Israil Madrimov vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr – Ortiz Jr to win @ 1.840 
• Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev – Bivol to win @ 1.970
• USA vs Canada – USA to win in regulation time @ 2.500
• Tampa Bay Lightning to win the NHL Atlantic Division @ 6.610
• Winnipeg Jets to win the NHL Western Conference @ 6.060
• Akshay Bhatia to win 2025 Mexico Open @ 14.940 
• Leicester City vs. Brentford – Brentford to win @ 2.010 
• Everton vs. Manchester United – Everton to win @ 2.610 
• Bournemouth vs. Wolves – both teams to score & Bournemouth to win @ 3.250 

Bhatia winning the Mexico Open and Jets winning the NHL Western Conference both appear to be the most undervalued bets of the picks we made. These two promises hefty returns at relatively low risk.