Player to score – Jay Stansfield (Birmingham City v Ipswich Town)
Jay Stansfield was a key figure for Birmingham City as the Blues surged to the League One title last season with a record points tally. The 22-year-old scored an impressive 19 league goals and will be Birmingham’s attacking figurehead for Friday’s Championship opener at home to Ipswich Town.
The Tractor Boys have kept together the core of the team that played in the Premier League last season, and so Kieran McKenna’s team will be competitive against the League One champions. Nonetheless, Stansfield’s record speaks for itself, and he will have opportunities to find the back of the net.
Over 2.5 total goals – Southampton v Wrexham
Last season, there was two divisions between Southampton in the Premier League and Wrexham in League One. This season, the two clubs will be in the Championship together, with Southampton expected to be in promotion contention near the top of the table. A win this weekend would point Will Still’s team in the right direction.
Nobody really knows what to expect from Wrexham this season. The Welsh club have strengthened over the summer, bringing in the likes of Conor Coady, Kieffer Moore, Lewis O’Brien, and Danny Ward. This could be a blockbuster start to the season at St Mary’s Stadium.
Match to be a draw – Livingston v Falkirk
Falkirk opened their Scottish Premiership campaign following promotion with a credible 2-2 draw against Dundee United. John McGlynn’s team are expected to be competitive in the top flight this season, but the Bairns have drawn their last four league matches. Another one could be on the cards this weekend.
Livingston came up with Falkirk from the Championship and made a habit of tripping up the eventual champions. Indeed, David Martindale’s team beat the Bairns three times over the 2024/25 campaign, drawing their fourth meeting. Livi will be difficult to break down on Saturday.
Both teams to score – Aberdeen v Celtic
Aberdeen’s Scottish Premiership campaign got off to a sluggish start on opening weekend as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hearts. The Dons have lost their last five league games and will struggle to end that losing streak against defending champions Celtic on Sunday.
Despite losing, Aberdeen had the higher xG (1.4) than Hearts. What’s more, Celtic’s defence could be vulnerable to the sort of quick transition attacks that saw the Dons win last season’s Scottish Cup final against Brendan Rodgers’ team. Both sides could find the back of the net this weekend.
Graham’s Accumulator
A new season and our knowledgeable tipster is back with his best bets from across this weekend’s action, including a heavyweight clash in the Scottish Premiership and a blockbuster clash at St. Mary’s.
Think they have legs? Could they race into the winners’ enclosure on Arlington Millions weekend? Why not throw all four runners into an acca? £10 potentially returns just over £310 if they all come in!
Champing at the bit?
Crystal Palace v Liverpool Bet Builder
Sunday’s Community Shield will see Crystal Palace take on Liverpool for the first piece of silverware of the season. The Premier League champions are the favourites to lift another trophy, with Arne Slot’s team a formidable attacking force, especially after the addition of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike in the summer.
Palace are a match for anyone on their day, as they showed by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season, but Oliver Glasner’s side will find it difficult to handle the sheer energy and intensity of Liverpool over 90 minutes. The Anfield outfit will surely return home with another piece of silverware.
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