Read on for this week’s soccer betting previews from the top European leagues, and we’ll provide you with the best soccer picks and the latest odds from the EPL matchday 26 schedule, La Liga matchday 24, and more.
Liverpool vs. Manchester United
Sunday, March 5, 2023 – 11:30 AM EST at Anfield
Liverpool
The penultimate fixture of the weekend EPL schedule will undoubtedly be the main event, as Liverpool welcomes Manchester United to Anfield as a battle of the elite red-shirted clubs in England will ensue.
Under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp, the Reds will enter the weekend in sixth position on 39 points – the highest position they’ve reached during this season in a long time. However, with just 1 win from their previous 3 games in all competitions, confidence isn’t exactly shining at the Liverpool camp.
A shameful Champions League defeat to Real Madrid proved the Reds aren’t a fearsome side on home turf like they once were. They can, however, take a smidgen of positivity from their 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night.
Manchester United
Consistency and success are rife at the Manchester United camp. Following a 3-1 FA victory over West Ham this past Wednesday, they’ll make a short trip to Liverpool with confidence in acquiring another three points to extend a title race in which they’ve recently joined Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Red Devils have recently won the EFL Cup, remained active in the FA Cup, eliminated Barcelona from the Europa League, and stood strong in the third position of the EPL table. Erik ten Hag seems to have finally settled in as United boss because we haven’t witnessed this much consistent success in a while.
EPL Matchday 26 Pick: First Half/Draw
Despite United’s success and the contrasting forms of each side this term, the Reds versus the Red Devils is always a big one, and a lot is riding on this fixture regarding top-four positioning and a potential title win. Victory would place Liverpool back in a top-four chase, but success for the visitors could cement them as a serious EPL title challenger.
We expect a tight encounter, and it’s likely there won’t be much separating these teams at the half. And for this reason, backing a first-half draw at plus money is an excellent wager.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 0 – Man Utd 1
Soccer Pick: First Half/Draw (+130) at Bet365
Real Betis vs. Real Madrid
Sunday, March 5, 2023 – 03:00 PM EST at Estadio Benito Villamarin
Real Betis
Returning to La Liga action riding a 3-game winning streak, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis squad will be up for Sunday’s showdown versus Real Madrid. However, Betis have lost 5 of their previous 9 games in all competitions, so handling Los Blancos could prove more challenging than prior meetings of late.
Worryingly, Betis has won just 1 of their last 7 home fixtures, and it’s been a win/loss situation for some time as this squad hasn’t witnessed a drawn game since December 2022.
Real Madrid
In a continuation of their La Liga title chase, Real Madrid has received some fortunes in the shape of Barcelona’s recent form. The league leaders remained unbeaten in domestic action for five months and looked to make the title chase a difficult one for Los Blancos. However, two recent defeats have allowed Real to cover some ground, and the deficit between first and second is now just nine points.
Carlo Ancelotti will take his squad to Betis with a mere two losses from 13 games – collecting nine wins and two draws during this stretch. Better yet, Real Madrid has netted at least one goal in their last eight visits to the Estadio Benito Villamarin, so finding the goal shouldn’t be an issue this Sunday.
La Liga Matchday 24 Pick: Both Teams to Score
Betis has won just 2 of their last 10 meetings with Los Blancos, but they’ve notably participated in some high-scoring affairs – with over 2.5 goals being scored in their previous five games in all competitions.
Real Madrid has been prolific in front of goal this term. Following a 1-0 defeat to archrivals Barcelona in midweek Copa del Rey action, they’ll be eager to extend their historic dominance versus Betis.
But given the home advantage and consistency in front of the goal, expecting both teams to score is a fair assumption and our best bet for this weekend.
Score Prediction: Real Betis 1 – Real Madrid 2
Soccer Pick: Both Teams to Score (-125) at Caesars
Extra European Soccer Best Bets
Brighton vs. West Ham: Brighton ML (-125) at Bet365
Mallorca vs. Elche: Mallorca ML (-140) at BetMGM
