Paris Saint-Germain still have ground to make up at the top of Ligue 1, but Lille’s defending has been questionable at times recently so take the champions to come out on top, given Lille have lost comfortably at Strasbourg and leaders Lens this term.

The hosts have the chance to move top of the table as they chase a fourth consecutive league victory. Brugge have won seven of their nine home matches this term, while they meet a La Louviere side who have scored in four of their five league defeats on the road. The visitors lost 2-1 at Antwerp in the cup in midweek, and they’ve lost six of their encounters with the top eight.

Castellon have won five straight home games, but they’ve conceded in four of those. They’ve only kept one home clean sheet this season, while Leganes have seen BTTS land across their last five away trips.

Sampdoria are at the wrong end of the Serie B standings, but they’ve won three straight home matches. Opponents Virtus Entella have lost seven of nine away games, conceding 18 times.

Both of these teams are out of sorts as Bremen are on a six-game run without a win, losing four of those fixtures, while Frankfurt have won just one of their last seven across all competitions. The visitors have at least been scoring and that could prove the difference. Die Adler drew 3-3 with Dortmund recently and slipped to a narrow 3-2 defeat to Stuttgart last time out, while Bremen have lost 3-0 and 4-0 respectively to those teams across their last three games. Bremen have also gone three games without scoring and Frankfurt rarely draw a blank, so the visitors should edge this.

Pisa have scored only one goal in their ten home matches this season and they look unlikely to penetrate the Atalanta defence who have won their last three games to nil. The hosts have lost their last four home games, while Atalanta have won five of their previous six league games.

The Jags got a lot of betting support against the Bills last week but ultimately fell to Josh Allen and company, as Buffalo grabbed its first road playoff win since 1992. Allen powered through injuries to post 306 total yards and 3 touchdowns as the Bills’ offense once again carried the load, but a middling defensive showing suggests Buffalo will keep leaning on Allen as they head into a much tougher spot at altitude in Denver. The Broncos bring a top-five defense, a conservative but timely offense, and home-field rest, setting up a likely one-possession game where the intangibles tilt slightly toward Denver, despite Buffalo’s star power.

San Francisco’s win over Philadelphia wasn’t shocking, as Brock Purdy has the 49ers’ offense humming and delivered in key moments despite 2 interceptions, though the Eagles’ stagnant offense also played a role in the result. The Niners’ momentum faces a serious test against a Seahawks team coming off extended rest, fresh from a Week 18 domination of this same 49ers team in which Seattle controlled the trenches, ran for 180 yards, and never let the game get competitive. With San Fran’s star tight end George Kittle lost for the season and the 49ers on a short week after a bruising playoff game, this rematch sets up as a tough spot for the road team and a potential Seattle blowout.

The Jags got a lot of betting support against the Bills last week but ultimately fell to Josh Allen and company, as Buffalo grabbed its first road playoff win since 1992. Allen powered through injuries to post 306 total yards and 3 touchdowns as the Bills’ offense once again carried the load, but a middling defensive showing suggests Buffalo will keep leaning on Allen as they head into a much tougher spot at altitude in Denver. The Broncos bring a top-five defense, a conservative but timely offense, and home-field rest, setting up a likely one-possession game where the intangibles tilt slightly toward Denver, despite Buffalo’s star power.

San Francisco’s win over Philadelphia wasn’t shocking, as Brock Purdy has the 49ers’ offense humming and delivered in key moments despite 2 interceptions, though the Eagles’ stagnant offense also played a role in the result. The Niners’ momentum faces a serious test against a Seahawks team coming off extended rest, fresh from a Week 18 domination of this same 49ers team in which Seattle controlled the trenches, ran for 180 yards, and never let the game get competitive. With San Fran’s star tight end George Kittle lost for the season and the 49ers on a short week after a bruising playoff game, this rematch sets up as a tough spot for the road team and a potential Seattle blowout.

Houston heads northeast again after a dominant 30-6 Wild Card win over Pittsburgh, cashing as favorites and now shifting to a short underdog against AFC East champs New England, which beat the Chargers 16-3. The matchup pits an elite Texans defense (NFL-best 277.2 yards allowed per game) against a Patriots team that’s been reliable at the window, winning 11 straight as a favorite and going 12-5 ATS in the regular season. Houston has thrived in the underdog role, winning and covering 4 straight, including last year’s 41-21 rout of New England. If CJ Stroud cleans up the turnovers, the Texans profile as a live underdog once again.

4 of 6 road teams won on Wild Card weekend, one of which being this Rams team that edged Carolina 34-31 in a matchup that was a heck of a lot closer than many expected. Matthew Stafford delivered a late TD pass tp secure the win in a wild fourth quarter. Chicago delivered the biggest shock, rallying from a 21-3 halftime deficit to beat Green Bay 31-27 behind a huge playoff debut from Caleb Williams, who threw for 361 yards and 2 scores as the Bears won their first postseason game since 2010. With the Rams laying points again and the Bears thriving as underdogs, LA’s strong ATS history as a road favorite makes them the pick to survive the cold at Soldier Field and move on.

Houston heads northeast again after a dominant 30-6 Wild Card win over Pittsburgh, cashing as favorites and now shifting to a short underdog against AFC East champs New England, which beat the Chargers 16-3. The matchup pits an elite Texans defense (NFL-best 277.2 yards allowed per game) against a Patriots team that’s been reliable at the window, winning 11 straight as a favorite and going 12-5 ATS in the regular season. Houston has thrived in the underdog role, winning and covering 4 straight, including last year’s 41-21 rout of New England. If CJ Stroud cleans up the turnovers, the Texans profile as a live underdog once again.

4 of 6 road teams won on Wild Card weekend, one of which being this Rams team that edged Carolina 34-31 in a matchup that was a heck of a lot closer than many expected. Matthew Stafford delivered a late TD pass tp secure the win in a wild fourth quarter. Chicago delivered the biggest shock, rallying from a 21-3 halftime deficit to beat Green Bay 31-27 behind a huge playoff debut from Caleb Williams, who threw for 361 yards and 2 scores as the Bears won their first postseason game since 2010. With the Rams laying points again and the Bears thriving as underdogs, LA’s strong ATS history as a road favorite makes them the pick to survive the cold at Soldier Field and move on.

Houston heads northeast again after a dominant 30-6 Wild Card win over Pittsburgh, cashing as favorites and now shifting to a short underdog against AFC East champs New England, which beat the Chargers 16-3. The matchup pits an elite Texans defense (NFL-best 277.2 yards allowed per game) against a Patriots team that’s been reliable at the window, winning 11 straight as a favorite and going 12-5 ATS in the regular season. Houston has thrived in the underdog role, winning and covering 4 straight, including last year’s 41-21 rout of New England. If CJ Stroud cleans up the turnovers, the Texans profile as a live underdog once again.

FEBRUARY –  The Texans’ suffocating defence has been the key to their eight-game winning run and with the AFC looking the less competitive conference this season after the demise of the Kansas City Chiefs, they have the talent to go a long way. Quarterback CJ Stroud is fully fit again and can look for an elite wide receiver in Nico Collins while former first-round picks Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. are just two of their many defensive stars.

JULY – Elena Rybakina looks a bet in her bid to repeat her 2022 triumph at the All England Club. The Kazakhstani has had a tough couple of years, due in the main to off-court issues, but she finished last year on a high with victory at the WTA Finals. She’s a superb grass-court player who is as good as Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek when she’s on her game.

JULY – Alex Noren enjoyed a resurgence in his career in 2025, winning twice on the DP World Tour, and 2026 could finally be the year he ends his long wait for a maiden Major. The Swede has an affinity for links golf, evidenced by his victory at the 2016 Scottish Open and his two top-10 Open finishes, he could go all the way and land the Claret Jug in 2026.

DECEMBER – Mercedes may have botched the ground-effect era, but the Silver Arrows have a strong record of responding well to rule changes, and the sweeping regulation shift coming in 2026 should bring the title back into play. Their power unit has already come under, and been cleared, of scrutiny, suggesting it is likely to be among the strongest engines on the grid, and they have the driver lineup to win the consistent points necessary to land the constructor crown.

Felix Auger-Aliassime has been placed in a competitive quarter that looks a four-way fight between himself Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedez and Andrey Rublev – and the Canadian looks capable of coming through. Auger-Aliassime beat both Zverev and Rublev on his march through to the last four of the US Open, before beating the former again in the ATP Finals. Auger-Aliassime is the form player of this quartet and he looks capable of making a deep run in Melbourne.

Aryna Sabalanka has reached each of the last six Grand Slam finals played on hardcourts and has won four of those. The Belarusian has won two of the last three editions of the Australian Open and can respond to the disappointment of losing last year’s final by taking the trophy in 2026.

Aryna Sabalanka has reached each of the last six Grand Slam finals played on hardcourts and has won four of those. The Belarusian has won two of the last three editions of the Australian Open and can respond to the disappointment of losing last year’s final by taking the trophy in 2026.

Felix Auger-Aliassime has been placed in a competitive quarter that looks a four-way fight between himself Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedez and Andrey Rublev – and the Canadian looks capable of coming through. Auger-Aliassime beat both Zverev and Rublev on his march through to the last four of the US Open, before beating the former again in the ATP Finals. Auger-Aliassime is the form player of this quartet and he looks capable of making a deep run in Melbourne.

Girona should be confident of getting something from their trip to Espanyol after winning their last two away games and both teams tend to find the net at the RCDE Stadium.

La Louviere scored in a loss at Antwerp in the cup this week, and the visitors can add to an impressive scoring streak on the road at second-placed Brugge. The hosts have conceded in five straight league games, while the visitors have scored in defeats in all three visits to the top six.

Castellon have won five straight home games, but they’ve conceded in four of those. They’ve only kept one home clean sheet this season, while Leganes have seen BTTS land across their last five away trips.

Both teams have scored in four of Sampdoria’s last five games, and the visitors have kept only two home clean sheets. Entella scored in four of their five home meetings with the sides below them, including a 3-1 victory over Sampdoria.

Ansgar Knauff looks a contender has five goals in 24 games across all competitions this season but has increased his shooting output across his last four games. Knauff has had 11 shots in total in that period – an average of 2.25 attempts per-game, which is significantly higher than his average of 1.4 per-game for the season – so the Frankfurt man may be able to add to his tally at Bremen.

Both of these teams are out of sorts as Bremen are on a six-game run without a win, losing four of those fixtures, while Frankfurt have won just one of their last seven across all competitions. The visitors have at least been scoring and that could prove the difference. Die Adler drew 3-3 with Dortmund recently and slipped to a narrow 3-2 defeat to Stuttgart last time out, while Bremen have lost 3-0 and 4-0 respectively to those teams across their last three games. Bremen have also gone three games without scoring and Frankfurt rarely draw a blank, so the visitors should edge this.

Middlesbrough have won six league games by a 2-1 scoreline this season, including when these two sides met at the Riverside, and another victory by the same scoreline appeals.

Sporting’s dominance in this fixture points strongly towards a comfortable home win. They have won seven straight meetings with Casa Pia and regularly score multiple goals against bottom-half sides. Casa Pia may still find a way onto the scoresheet, as Sporting are not always watertight and both teams scoring has been common in Casa Pia away games. However, Sporting’s firepower and control should tell over 90 minutes. A 3-1 home win fits the pattern of recent Sporting matches and Casa Pia’s tendency to lose by a clear margin on the road.

Newcastle Jets have won four of their last five matches, while they head to a side who have been beaten in four of their last six matches. The visitors have won four straight away games, and they’re backed for another victory.

Central Coast Mariners have lost five of their last six games, and the league’s bottom side have been beaten in each of their previous three home games. The visitors have won three of their last four away trips, and they’ve already won to nil at the two other bottom three sides.

The hosts are outperforming their xG tally for the campaign, while they were beaten 4-0 by bottom club Central Coast Mariners in their last home outing. Melbourne Victory have won four of five clashes with sides below them in the standings, so back them for another win.

Central Coast Mariners have lost five of their last six games, and the league’s bottom side have been beaten in each of their previous three home games. The visitors have won three of their last four away trips, and they’ve already won to nil at the two other bottom three sides.

Alex H: Bristol City are pushing to break into the top six of the Championship but things look bleaker for Oxford who are 23rd following one win from their last seven league matches. Despite their struggles, the hosts really suffer big defeats, so back a low-scoring away win. 

Warren: Two of the bottom three meet in League Two, and hosts Shrewsbury are vulnerable after losing their last four league games. Harrogate picked up a good point at Crewe last weekend and then ran Stockport close in the EFL Trophy in midweek, so they can at least avoid defeat here. 

Aaron: Mechelen have scored in nine of their 10 away trips this season, while they’ve netted 14 times on their travels. USG have conceded in six of their last eight league games, while they’ve faced 5.6 xG across their last five home league matches. Five of Mechelen’s six clashes with the top six have finished with both teams scoring, so back more goals.

Aidan: Fulham are unbeaten in six, and they can build on an excellent record against Leeds, having won the last four meetings between the teams.

Alex W: Bayern Munich have scored 66 goals in 17 Bundesliga games this season and have notched three or more in eight of their last nine, including each of their last four away games. They face a RB Leipzig side that have lost two of their last three outings by a 3-1 scoreline.

Gareth: Mansfield have won their last three league games, and they beat Sheffield United in the cup last weekend. Despite that good form, they’re good value to see off rock-bottom port Vale, who are winless in seven trips.

Liverpool look like the best value pick, with the Reds putting their struggles behind them with an eight-game unbeaten run. The Reds have the fourth-best Expected Goals record across the first six Champions League gameweeks, while they’ve recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins over Real Madrid and Inter Milan in Europe. Arne Slot’s side have a kind double-header in January, leaving them primed for a top-eight finish. With the Premier League coasting towards a fifth Champions League berth, the Reds should be in a good position to focus on European success in the spring.

Spain have some incredibly talented individuals, Lamine Yamal being the prime example, but are strong in all areas and don’t have any particular weaknesses. They won Euro 2024 with relative ease and they should be too good for their continental rivals at the World Cup. They also look a level above South American heavyweights Argentina and Brazil, suggesting they will be the team to beat at the World Cup this summer.

Both of these teams are out of sorts as Bremen are on a six-game run without a win, losing four of those fixtures, while Frankfurt have won just one of their last seven across all competitions. The visitors have at least been scoring and that could prove the difference. Die Adler drew 3-3 with Dortmund recently and slipped to a narrow 3-2 defeat to Stuttgart last time out, while Bremen have lost 3-0 and 4-0 respectively to those teams across their last three games. Bremen have also gone three games without scoring and Frankfurt rarely draw a blank, so the visitors should edge this.

Girona should be confident of getting something from their trip to Espanyol after winning their last two away games and both teams tend to find the net at the RCDE Stadium.

West Brom have lost six of their last eight league games and despite new manager Eric Ramsey’s arrival, their issues may continue. Middlesbrough may have had a wobble recently but they bounced back with a 4-0 win over Southampton in their last league game and look a decent bet to win this too.

Sporting CP look well placed to deliver another high-scoring game when they welcome Casa Pia to Estádio José Alvalade in the Primeira Liga. Sporting have scored in every one of their 17 league games this season and no side has featured in more over-2.5-goal matches. Casa Pia’s away games also tend to open up, with six of their nine road trips producing at least three goals. Given Sporting’s attacking consistency and Casa Pia’s defensive issues, goals look inevitable.

The hosts have the chance to move top of the table as they chase a fourth consecutive league victory. Brugge have won seven of their nine home matches this term, while they meet a La Louviere side who have scored in four of their five league defeats on the road. The visitors lost 2-1 at Antwerp in the cup in midweek, and they’ve lost six of their encounters with the top eight.

VVV have won their last three league games, but they’ve shipped 14 goals in 11 home matches. The hosts have won 10 and lost 11 of their 21 games, but they should come out on top against AZ Reserves, who have lost 14 of 22 matches overall. The visitors have lost five of their last six games, but BTTS has landed in their last six trips.

Castellon have won five straight home games, but they’ve conceded in four of those. They’ve only kept one home clean sheet this season, while Leganes have seen BTTS land across their last five away trips. However, the visitors’ good away record has been boosted by the fact that they’ve travelled to each of the bottom nine, so back Castellon to pick up an 11th win of the campaign.

Sporting CP look well placed to deliver another high-scoring game when they welcome Casa Pia to Estádio José Alvalade in the Primeira Liga. Sporting have scored in every one of their 17 league games this season and no side has featured in more over-2.5-goal matches. Casa Pia’s away games also tend to open up, with six of their nine road trips producing at least three goals. Given Sporting’s attacking consistency and Casa Pia’s defensive issues, goals look inevitable.

Paris Saint-Germain still have ground to make up at the top of Ligue 1, but Lille’s defending has been questionable at times recently so take the champions to come out on top, given Lille have lost comfortably at Strasbourg and leaders Lens this term.

Sampdoria are at the wrong end of the Serie B standings, but they’ve won three straight home matches. Opponents Virtus Entella have lost seven of nine away games, conceding 18 times.

Helmond Sport’s last three games have featured 15 goals, and they host a Vitesse side who have a high-scoring record behind them. Half of the visitors’ 10 trips this season have featured four or more goals, while they’ve shipped 1.8 goals per game on their travels. Vitesse won 3-1 when these two met earlier in the campaign, while all six fof Helmond Sport’s clashes with their fellow bottom seven sides have featured three or more goals.