European football is back! With top domestic leagues in Germany, Spain, Italy and France already underway or starting up this weekend, I’ve compiled the first of many European accumulators this season. Have a browse down the page for my 11/1 four-fold on the latest round of matches...
VFL WOLFSBURG vs SCHALKE 04
Wolfsburg survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season but Bruno Labbadia’s men will be expecting to finish much higher up the German table in 2018/19.
The Wolves drew 15 of their 34 Bundesliga fixtures during the previous campaign and turning a few of those draws into wins will be the difference in their pursuit of survival.
Schalke have scored in their previous 28 Bundesliga matches – an incredible feat to say the least. However, we could see a new-look Schalke take to the field for this clash.
The opening fixture is always difficult to predict and it may be wise to expect an underwhelming affair at Volkswagen Arena.
The selection has landed in four of the last five meetings between the two sides and another low-scoring encounter could be on the cards. Take the 7/10 for less than three goals in this fixture.
TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 7/10
PREDICTED SCORE: Wolfsburg 1-1 Schalke (Priced at 11/2 with 888sport)
JUVENTUS vs LAZIO
The stage is set for Cristiano Ronaldo to fire Juventus to victory. The home crowd will expect big things from the Portugal legend this season and he can lead Massimiliano Allegri’s men to an eighth successive Serie A crown.
This one could get ugly for the visitors if Juventus get off to a fast start on Saturday night. It was all change for Lazio this summer – a number of key personalities decided to move on ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Simone Inzaghi’s side gave a decent account of themselves against Napoli on the opening weekend but ultimately fell short and another defeat beckons here. You won’t find too many punters backing Lazio to win in Turin…
Ronaldo could make an immediate impact on his home debut and 19/20 for the Portuguese to score in a Juventus victory should be snapped up. Watch this space, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could light up Serie A this weekend.
TIP: Ronaldo to score and Juventus to win @ 19/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Juventus 2-0 Lazio (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)
LILLE vs GUINGAMP
Lille are primed for a positive 2018/19 season after their struggles during the previous year.
The Europa League and Frederic Antonetti’s departure had an adverse effect on Lille last campaign and all signs point towards a better performance this time around. A goalless draw at Monaco last time out is an indication of that improvement.
Meanwhile, Guingamp are yet to pick up a point this season after defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and St Etienne.
Siding with the visitors would be brave – they have came out on top just once in their last five trips to Lille and EVS represents solid value for a home triumph this weekend.
Taking everything into account, it may prove prudent to side with Lille. The hosts lost just three Ligue 1 games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in 2017/18 and three of those came against Monaco, Marseille and PSG.
TIP: Lille to win @ EVENS
PREDICTED SCORE: Lille 2-1 Guingamp (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)
SEVILLA vs VILLARREAL
This will be Sevilla’s seventh competitive match of the 2018/19 campaign and we are still in August. Despite their hectic schedule, I’m expecting Sevilla to emerge victorious on home soil in this clash – 3/4 is an excellent price.
The hosts were ruthless against Rayo Vallecano in their last La Liga encounter and another win looks likely. Villarreal have won just two of their previous eight away league games and that is a major factor in my pick.
Javier Calleja’s side took a 16th minute lead against Real Sociedad but that wasn’t enough – Sociedad scored either side of half-time to secure the perfect result on the opening weekend. This one could get away from Villarreal if Sevilla are on top form…
Two teams with bags of potential but two contrasting starts to the new season. Going with the form book is the best bet here; Sevilla should have enough quality to put Villarreal to the sword.
TIP: Sevilla to win @ 3/4
PREDICTED SCORE: Sevilla 2-0 Villarreal (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
