European Football Leagues Week 2 Tips
Serie A and the Bundesliga both return this weekend, joining La Liga and Ligue 1, which got underway last week.
This weekend’s packed European slate features some huge clashes, starting with a heavyweight showdown in the Bundesliga.
Below we have your weekend covered, with four massive matches across three days from four different leagues.
Tip 1 – Bayern Munich to win and both teams to score @ 5/4
Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig (19:45, Friday 22nd August)
The Bundesliga gets underway with the champions Bayern Munich hosting an RB Leipzig side that should fare better this term.
While Benjamin Sesko’s departure has dominated Leipzig’s summer, the appointment of former Werder Bremen boss Ole Werner looks like a smart move.
Leipzig have gone back to basics, focusing on high-potential young players after last season’s spending resulted in them missing out on the top four. Wingers Johan Bakayoko and Yan Diomande look like promising additions.
Bayern have added Luiz Diaz and Jonathan Tah but that hasn’t stopped Harry Kane from labelling this group as one of the thinnest squads he has been a part of.
What they lack in numbers, Bayern makes up for in talent. They won 2-1 in the Super Cup last weekend but they did concede 1.89 xG in that win over Stuttgart.
The Bavarians won 14 of 17 home league games last term, so they’re backed to start the Bundesliga campaign with a victory.
However, both teams have scored in nine of the last 10 meetings between the pair, with a 3-0 away win for Leipzig in 2023 the only exception.
Tip 2 – Both Teams to Score No @ 19/20
Levante vs Barcelona (20:30, Saturday 23rd August)
Barcelona won in commanding fashion last weekend as they beat nine-man Mallorca 3-0.
The Catalans will be on the road until mid-September but that shouldn’t slow them down against newly-promoted Levante.
The hosts returned to the top flight with a 2-1 defeat at Deportivo Alaves. They generated 0.87 xG in that encounter, with just 0.02 of that coming from set pieces.
This Barcelona side will dominate possession here, limiting Levante’s opportunities going forward.
Barca won to-nil in four of their visits to the bottom seven last term, so they should expect to keep the hosts at bay.
Tip 3 – Como to win @ 11/8
Como vs Lazio (17:30, Sunday 24th August)
Como enjoyed a strong top-flight campaign last term, finishing 10th with 49 points.
They were some way behind the nine strongest sides but heavy investment this summer has been done in an attempt to catch up.
Manager Cesc Fabregas was linked with Champions League sides but he has stayed to oversee the club’s spending, which topped €100 million.
While many sides in Serie A are forced to gamble on Premier League stars who didn’t make the cut, Como are scouring for gems.
Midfielder Martin Baturina joins after being compared with Luka Modric, along with being linked to many of Europe’s elite.
While Como have invested across their squad, off-field issues have seen Lazio limited in the window.
Last season’s seventh-placed finish could be tough to repeat, while Como will be desperate to lay down a marker.
Tip 4 – Over 3.5 Goals @ 37/20
Lille vs Monaco (19:45, Sunday 24th August)
The Sunday night game in France is between two sides who will be competing towards the top of the table, Lille and Monaco.
Away form against their top-half rivals let down Monaco last season, as they suffered six defeats in eight matches, conceding 17 times.
Lille started the campaign with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Brest but they conceded the better chances and looked vulnerable defensively.
Monaco were in total control in a 3-1 victory over Le Havre, so back the goals to flow when these two cross paths.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
