There’s plenty of football to enjoy this weekend, and as we aim to start the year on a winning note, be sure to check out our best bets and value picks from across Europe.
Manchester United v Wolves (Monday)
Manchester United get back to Premier League action when they take on Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday night. Results-wise, Ralf Rangnick has made a promising start to his interim reign at United, but the German will be hoping for a better performance against Bruno Lage’s men who have shown great fighting spirit.
Bournemouth v Peterborough (Monday)
Promotion-favourites Bournemouth host a struggling Peterborough side in the Championship on Monday. The Cherries have been in terrific form under Scott Parker this season, while Darren Ferguson’s side find themselves in a real relegation battle. Posh have lost their last five matches away from home, failing to get on the scoresheet in four of them.
Hapoel Tel Aviv v Maccabi Petach Tikva (Saturday)
In-form Hapoel Tel Aviv host bottom side Maccabi Petach Tikva in the Israeli Premier League on Saturday. Riding a two-match winning streak, the Reds will seek to continue that form against the Luzons who have lost their last four league games. Maccabi Petach Tikva are also winless on the road, losing six of their seven matches.
West Brom v Cardiff City (Sunday)
West Bromwich Albion host Cardiff City in the Championship on Sunday. Valerien Ismael’s men are aiming to make an instant return to the Premier League. Meanwhile, the Bluebirds find themselves right in the middle of the relegation battle. The last time these teams met, the Baggies registered an emphatic 4-0 victory at Cardiff City Stadium.
Rotherham United v Bolton Wanderers (Saturday)
Log leaders Rotherham United aim to get back to winning ways after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley which ended the hosts’ 21-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Bolton Wanderers’ last opponent was also Accrington Stanley and suffered the exact same fate, a 1-0 defeat away at the Wham Stadium. This is one of the straighter forward punts of the weekend, seeing as Bolton have succumbed to six straight losses on their travels without scoring.
Eibar v Real Sociedad B (Friday)
Eibar currently occupy second position which guarantees qualification back to La Liga after being relegated last season. The Gunsmiths entertain Real Sociedad B at the Estadio Municipal de Ipurua, where the hosts boast a near-perfect record by winning seven of their last eight games. Real Sociedad B come into the clash suffering five straight defeats without scoring in their last four games while losing to Eibar in the reverse tie as well.
Almeria v FC Cartagena (Sunday)
Pace-setters Almeria seek to extend their lead at the top when eighth-placed FC Cartagena make the trip to the South East of Spain. The visitors have only won once in nine away games in the league, suffering five losses. Meanwhile, Almeria have been superb on home soil with eight wins and two draws from 10 matches. The hosts also won the previous meeting 3-1, while all four of the recent matches between these sides have seen both teams score.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Western United (Saturday)
Western Sydney Wanderers will be hoping to snap a two-game losing streak when Western United make the 1000km journey from Geelong to lock horns at the CommBank Stadium. Following four consecutive 1-0 wins, the visitors lost 3-1 to log leaders Melbourne Victory and will be aiming to get back to winning ways. There are always goals in these clashes, we’re set for a humdinger and we strongly suggest backing both teams to find the back of the net.