Christian Larsen

This weekend’s top European soccer predictions: Best bets and picks for Bundesliga and La Liga

Soccer predictions

Matches from the Bundesliga and La Liga make up this weekend’s top soccer predictions.

The pregame narrative: RB Leipzig welcomes Bayer Leverkusen in a contest that promises plenty of goal-scoring chances. After that, bet on Real Madrid to win comfortably against rock-bottom Real Valladolid.

Check out this weekend’s best European soccer predictions for games on Jan. 25.

Soccer picks and predictions

Go to full Bundesliga betting markets

Best Bet: RB Leipzig/Bayer Leverkusen over 3 goals (-118)

Leverkusen looks to remove the bitter memory from its last encounter with RB Leipzig, which ended its remarkable run of 35 straight Bundesliga victories.

Since its early-season hiccups, Xabi Alonso’s side has mirrored the same elite form that secured them a German title last season.

Although Leverkusen is a strong defensive side, it’s prone to leak goals against formidable attacks like RB Leipzig.

When fully healthy, the Red Bulls are one the best attacking teams in Germany. Boosted by the returns of Xavi Simon and David Raum, Leipzig has scored 11 goals in their five matches.

Striker Lois Openda has been kryptonite to Leverkusen’s backline, scoring four goals in all three games against them.

The Red Bulls have regressed defensively, conceding 13 goals in their last five league matches, including three unanswered from bottom-dwelling Bochum.

That’s a big concern against the dangerous attacking duo of Florian Wirtz and Patrick Schick — who have combined for 21 goals this season — with speedy wingers Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong excelling at creating chances from wide areas.

Leverkusen is among the leaders in various attacking metrics:

  • 4th in expected goals (1.92 per 90)
  • 2nd in shots on goals (6.4 per 90)
  • 4th in big scoring chances (3.1 per 90)
  • 2nd in box entries (31.2 per 90)

Leipzig also struggles to defend set pieces, allowing the second-most expected goals (7.32) on set-piece play. Meanwhile, Leverkusen has a league-best xG tally (8.32) from set-pieces.

I anticipate Leverkusen, just four points behind table-leaders Bayern Munich, to be ruthless in attack as they look to reclaim the top spot.

This clash between German giants has produced high-scoring spectacles in recent seasons, and I expect no difference here.

Key stat: This bet is 3-0 in the last three head-to-head battles, combining for 15 goals.

Quick picks

Real Madrid -1.5 (-150): This is a mismatch of epic proportions.

Europe’s most talented football club should have no issues demolishing bottom-feeding Real Valladolid — even in enemy territory.

Real Madrid has generated a whopping 12.0 xG in its last three matches. Kylian Mbappe has looked rejuvenated to start the New Year and is finally performing up to the sky-high standards.

See all La Liga markets

Real Valladolid has a league-worst -25 goal differential and is likely bound for relegation. It was dismantled by fellow title contenders Barcelona (7-0) and Atletico Madrid (5-0) earlier this season.

What also caught my eye was their horrendous form in trailing game states. Paulo Pezzalano’s side is 0-8 with a 4-25 goal difference when trailing at half-time, per SoccerStats.

Even with Vinicius Junior suspended for this contest, Carlo Anchelotti’s side is loaded with attacking threats and I expect one of Brahim Diaz or Arda Guler to fill in nicely.

Real Madrid dominated the reverse fixture 3-0, with Valladolid failing to hit a single shot on target. Even at a juicy price, I believe it’s worth the taking.

Picks made at 10:35 a.m. on 01/24/25.

This weekend’s top European soccer predictions: Best bets and picks for Bundesliga and La Liga

Soccer predictions

Matches from the Bundesliga and La Liga make up this weekend’s top soccer predictions.

The pregame narrative: RB Leipzig welcomes Bayer Leverkusen in a contest that promises plenty of goal-scoring chances. After that, bet on Real Madrid to win comfortably against rock-bottom Real Valladolid.

Check out this weekend’s best European soccer predictions for games on Jan. 25.

Soccer picks and predictions

Go to full Bundesliga betting markets

Best Bet: RB Leipzig/Bayer Leverkusen over 3 goals (-110)

Leverkusen looks to remove the bitter memory from its last encounter with RB Leipzig, which ended its remarkable run of 35 straight Bundesliga victories.

Since its early-season hiccups, Xabi Alonso’s side has mirrored the same elite form that secured them a German title last season.

Although Leverkusen is a strong defensive side, it’s prone to leak goals against formidable attacks like RB Leipzig.

When fully healthy, the Red Bulls are one the best attacking teams in Germany. Boosted by the returns of Xavi Simon and David Raum, Leipzig has scored 11 goals in their five matches.

Striker Lois Openda has been kryptonite to Leverkusen’s backline, scoring four goals in all three games against them.

The Red Bulls have regressed defensively, conceding 13 goals in their last five league matches, including three unanswered from bottom-dwelling Bochum.

That’s a big concern against the dangerous attacking duo of Florian Wirtz and Patrick Schick — who have combined for 21 goals this season — with speedy wingers Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong excelling at creating chances from wide areas.

Leverkusen is among the leaders in various attacking metrics:

  • 4th in expected goals (1.92 per 90)
  • 2nd in shots on goals (6.4 per 90)
  • 4th in big scoring chances (3.1 per 90)
  • 2nd in box entries (31.2 per 90)

Leipzig also struggles to defend set pieces, allowing the second-most expected goals (7.32) on set-piece play. Meanwhile, Leverkusen has a league-best xG tally (8.32) from set-pieces.

I anticipate Leverkusen, just four points behind table-leaders Bayern Munich, to be ruthless in attack as they look to reclaim the top spot.

This clash between German giants has produced high-scoring spectacles in recent seasons, and I expect no difference here.

Key stat: This bet is 3-0 in the last three head-to-head battles, combining for 15 goals.

Quick picks

Real Madrid -1.5 (-140): This is a mismatch of epic proportions.

Europe’s most talented football club should have no issues demolishing bottom-feeding Real Valladolid — even in enemy territory.

Real Madrid has generated a whopping 12.0 xG in its last three matches. Kylian Mbappe has looked rejuvenated to start the New Year and is finally performing up to the sky-high standards.

See all La Liga markets

Real Valladolid has a league-worst -25 goal differential and is likely bound for relegation. It was dismantled by fellow title contenders Barcelona (7-0) and Atletico Madrid (5-0) earlier this season.

What also caught my eye was their horrendous form in trailing game states. Paulo Pezzalano’s side is 0-8 with a 4-25 goal difference when trailing at half-time, per SoccerStats.

Even with Vinicius Junior suspended for this contest, Carlo Anchelotti’s side is loaded with attacking threats and I expect one of Brahim Diaz or Arda Guler to fill in nicely.

Real Madrid dominated the reverse fixture 3-0, with Valladolid failing to hit a single shot on target.

Picks made at 10:35 a.m. on 01/24/25.

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys Australian Open women’s final predictions and odds: Bet on surging American to win a set

Sabalenka vs. Keys predictions

Madison Keys returns to her first Grand Slam final in over seven years to face reigning Australian Open champ Aryna Sabalenka.

The pregame narrative: It’s been an outstanding tournament for Keys, who now has a tall order awaiting in top-ranked Sabalenka. The soaring American is playing with nothing to lose, and I say she can push the WTA’s No. 1 player to a third set.

Check out my Sabalenka vs. Keys predictions for the women’s final on Jan. 25.

Sabalenka vs. Keys Australian Open women’s final predictions

Go to full Sabalenka vs. Keys betting markets.

Best Bet: Keys +1.5 sets (-108)

Taking a set from Sabalenka — let alone a game — in Australia has been a huge challenge for any competitor.

Sabalenka has won her last 20 matches in Melbourne Park and has only dropped two sets en route to a third consecutive Australian Open final.

A lot has changed since Keys last appeared in a Grand Slam final, when she was ousted by Sloane Stephens in straight sets (6-3, 6-0) at the 2017 US Open. Keys admitted that nerves played a big factor, and she’s now more poised and experienced on this stage.

Keys couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2025. The resilient American, fresh off winning the Adelaide Invitational on Jan. 11, has now strung together 11 straight victories.

In the semifinal at the Aussie Open, she authored a come-from-behind victory against Iga Swiatek (5-7, 6-1, 7-6[8]).

Notable improvements from Keys’ game compared to last season are her returns and defensive play.

Season1st Return Points WonBreak Points ConvertedReturn Games Won
202437.0%43.6%37.4%
202540.2%46.2%42.9%

Sabalenka is one of the best servers in the circuit, so carrying over that strong return game will be crucial to Keys finding success here.

I also like Keys’ chances from serve. After all, she just brought one of the best returners on tour to a gruelling battle.

Sabalenka leads the head-to-head matchup, 4-1. In the 2023 US Open semifinal, Keys led 6-0, 5-3 and served for the match before the Belarusian won a third-set tiebreak.

Keys is not your proto-typical No. 14-seed, though. She ranked as high as No. 7 in 2016 before injuries stifled her career.

There’s no doubt that Sabalenka is the best player on the women’s circuit. But Keys is playing the best tennis of her career right now. The best value for this contest is for the American to steal a set and make this competitive.

Key stat: Keys has blasted 54 aces (most in the WTA) and won 71.6% of her first-serve rallies through 14 matches this season.

Picks made at 11:21 a.m. ET on 01/24/2025.

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys Australian Open women’s final predictions and odds: Bet on surging American to win a set

Sabalenka vs. Keys predictions

Madison Keys returns to her first Grand Slam final in over seven years to face reigning Australian Open champ Aryna Sabalenka.

The pregame narrative: It’s been an outstanding tournament for Keys, who now has a tall order awaiting in top-ranked Sabalenka. The soaring American is playing with nothing to lose, and I say she can push the WTA’s No. 1 player to a third set.

Check out my Sabalenka vs. Keys predictions for the women’s final on Jan. 25.

Sabalenka vs. Keys Australian Open women’s final predictions

Go to full Sabalenka vs. Keys betting markets.

Best Bet: Keys +1.5 sets (-103)

Taking a set from Sabalenka — let alone a game — in Australia has been a huge challenge for any competitor.

Sabalenka has won her last 20 matches in Melbourne Park and has only dropped two sets en route to a third consecutive Australian Open final.

A lot has changed since Keys last appeared in a Grand Slam final, when she was ousted by Sloane Stephens in straight sets (6-3, 6-0) at the 2017 US Open. Keys admitted that nerves played a big factor, and she’s now more poised and experienced on this stage.

Keys couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2025. The resilient American, fresh off winning the Adelaide Invitational on Jan. 11, has now strung together 11 straight victories.

In the semifinal at the Aussie Open, she authored a come-from-behind victory against Iga Swiatek (5-7, 6-1, 7-6[8]).

Notable improvements from Keys’ game compared to last season are her returns and defensive play.

Season1st Return Points WonBreak Points ConvertedReturn Games Won
202437.0%43.6%37.4%
202540.2%46.2%42.9%

Sabalenka is one of the best servers in the circuit, so carrying over that strong return game will be crucial to Keys finding success here.

I also like Keys’ chances from serve. After all, she just brought one of the best returners on tour to a gruelling battle.

Sabalenka leads the head-to-head matchup, 4-1. In the 2023 US Open semifinal, Keys led 6-0, 5-3 and served for the match before the Belarusian won a third-set tiebreak.

Keys is not your proto-typical No. 14-seed, though. She ranked as high as No. 7 in 2016 before injuries stifled her career.

There’s no doubt that Sabalenka is the best player on the women’s circuit. But Keys is playing the best tennis of her career right now. The best value for this contest is for the American to steal a set and make this competitive.

Key stat: Keys has blasted 54 aces (most in the WTA) and won 71.6% of her first-serve rallies through 14 matches this season.

Picks made at 11:21 a.m. ET on 01/24/2025.

Man City vs. Chelsea same-game parlay predictions Jan. 25: Back Palmer and Madueke to make an impact in a high-scoring match

Man City vs. Chelsea predictions

The marquee game of Matchday 23 features Manchester City hosting Chelsea on Saturday.

The pregame narrative: In this matchup between attacking powerhouses, I am taking an alt-total as the centrepiece of this +310 SGP. To round it off, I am playing props on Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke.

Check out my Manchester City vs. Chelsea same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 25.

Man City vs. Chelsea predictions

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Parlay: Over 2.5 goals + Palmer to score or assist + Madueke over 1.5 shots (+310)

Embed: #107214

Over 2.5 goals (-225): City’s defensive woes in the absence of Rodri are well-documented.

They’re no longer an effective counter-pressing team and opposing attackers are finding more success dribbling and scoring from inside the 18-yard box.

Similar issues are affecting a Chelsea side which has failed to keep a clean sheet in five matches. And injuries to centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Axel Disasi only further weaken the backline.

Both are among the bottom-half defensive teams over the last 10 matches.

  • Man City is averaging 1.70 xGA (13th)
  • Chelsea is averaging 1.54 xGA (11th)

Pep Guardiola’s squad has returned to its elite attacking form, scoring 14 goals over the last four league matches.

Chelsea is coming off a dominating 3-1 win over Wolves on Monday. Despite missing key midfielder Enzo Fernandez to injury, it generated 3.2 expected goals on 19 shots.

Given the recent attacking form and defensive vulnerabilities, a high-scoring contest is likely in the cards.

SGP legs

Palmer to score or assist (-103): England’s fastest-rising star will be determined to inflict damage on his former club.

Guardiola persuaded Palmer to leave City in 2023 after refusing to include the youngster in his plans, which quickly backfired.

Since joining Chelsea, Palmer has emerged as one of the league’s best playmakers. The stats speak for themselves.

  • Second-most goal contributions (14G, 6A) this season.
  • Accounted for 45% of Chelsea’s goals.
  • Leads the league in chances created (62).

Palmer is also on corners and penalty duties, which is a bonus to this prop. If the Blues get on the scoresheet, Palmer is likely to be involved.

Madueke over 1.5 shots (-165): Madueke’s exceptional pace and dribbling skills will be key to Chelsea’s success in this matchup.

The 22-year-old winger also serves as a secondary striker and has ripped a healthy number of shots in recent games.

  • Madueke has 2+ shots in his last nine starts.
  • Averaging 4.25 shots per 90, ranked 96th percentile among attackers.

He should fancy his chances against a City defence that has trouble containing speedy attackers. And given Madueke’s sizzling form, he should be featured in Enzo Maresca’s starting eleven.

Picks made at 9:01 a.m. on 1/23/25.

EPL Matchday 23 picks and predictions: Back Newcastle to win comfortably at Southampton

EPL Matchday 23 picks

I’ve got two bets at plus-money odds for this weekend’s Premier League action.

The pregame narrative: Newcastle heads into Southampton off a humbling defeat, and I expect it to bounce back with a convincing victory. In addition, take the under in the contest between Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.

Check out the best EPL Matchday 23 picks.

EPL Matchday 23 picks

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Best Bet: Newcastle -1.5 (+105)

Newcastle was humbled in front of its home supporters last weekend, suffering a 4-1 defeat to surging Bournemouth and seeing its winning streak end at six games.

Before that, the Magpies were the hottest club in the league, smashing the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester United and Arsenal in recent matches.

The dangerous attacking duo of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon is performing at peak levels, having combined for 11 goals over their last six games.

Eddie Howe’s side will need to regroup themselves for a shot at Champions League qualification, and it gets a perfect opportunity here.

Southampton (1-3-18) is sitting at the bottom of the table, with six points across 22 matches, and is destined for relegation.

The Saints didn’t reap the same benefits of a new manager bump as other Premier League clubs. They have a 0-1-5 record and a -10 goal differential since appointing Ivan Juric on Dec. 21.

Isak and Co. should wreak havoc against a struggling Southampton defence, ranked dead-last in various defensive metrics.

  • 20th in expected goals allowed (2.39 per 90)
  • 20th in shots on goal allowed (6.8 per 90)
  • 20th in big-scoring chances conceded (4.5 per 90)
  • 20th in final-third entry conversion rate (4.6%)

This is a nightmare spot for the Saints, coming off two gruelling defeats and facing a fuming Newcastle side.

The Magpies won the reverse fixture 1-0 while playing a man down for over an hour. I can easily see a 3-0 or 3-1 win for Newcastle on the road.

Key stat: Newcastle has won five of its last six matches by 2+ goals.

Quick pick

Bournemouth/Nottingham Forest under 2.5 (+100): Two of the biggest surprises from the Premiership clash in what should be a fascinating, yet low-scoring, contest.

Bournemouth pummeled a red-hot Newcastle side to a 4-1 victory last weekend. But much of the damage stemmed from its high-pressing defence, which forced Newcastle to commit an array of errors that led to scoring chances.

Nottingham Forest are an intelligent team that can absorb pressure in build-up play and take care of the ball. It has conceded the second-fewest errors that led to shots (nine), per The Analyst.

Aggressive attacking squads like Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea have combined for just two goals against it thus far.

The Tricky Trees often create their scoring chances from quick transitions. However, Bournemouth has limited opponents to just 12 fast-break shots, the second-fewest in the league.

Given the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, backing the under at plus-money odds is a value play.

Picks made at 11:25 a.m. on 01/22/25.

EPL Matchday 23 picks and predictions: Back Newcastle to win comfortably at Southampton

EPL Matchday 23 picks

I’ve got two bets at plus-money odds for this weekend’s Premier League action.

The pregame narrative: Newcastle heads into Southampton off a humbling defeat, and I expect it to bounce back with a convincing victory. In addition, take the under in the contest between Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.

Check out the best EPL Matchday 23 picks.

EPL Matchday 23 picks

Go to full Premier League betting markets.

Embed: #107146

Best Bet: Newcastle -1.5 (+108)

Newcastle was humbled in front of its home supporters last weekend, suffering a 4-1 defeat to surging Bournemouth and seeing its winning streak end at six games.

Before that, the Magpies were the hottest club in the league, smashing the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester United and Arsenal in recent matches.

The dangerous attacking duo of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon is performing at peak levels, having combined for 11 goals over their last six games.

Eddie Howe’s side will need to regroup themselves for a shot at Champions League qualification, and it gets a perfect opportunity here.

Southampton (1-3-18) is sitting at the bottom of the table, with six points across 22 matches, and is destined for relegation.

The Saints didn’t reap the same benefits of a new manager bump as other Premier League clubs. They have a 0-1-5 record and a -10 goal differential since appointing Ivan Juric on Dec. 21.

Isak and Co. should wreak havoc against a struggling Southampton defence, ranked dead-last in various defensive metrics.

  • 20th in expected goals allowed (2.39 per 90)
  • 20th in shots on goal allowed (6.8 per 90)
  • 20th in big-scoring chances conceded (4.5 per 90)
  • 20th in final-third entry conversion rate (4.6%)

This is a nightmare spot for the Saints, coming off two gruelling defeats and facing a fuming Newcastle side.

The Magpies won the reverse fixture 1-0 while playing a man down for over an hour. I can easily see a 3-0 or 3-1 win for Newcastle on the road.

Key stat: Newcastle has won five of its last six matches by 2+ goals.

Quick pick

Bournemouth/Nottingham Forest under 2.5 (+108): Two of the biggest surprises from the Premiership clash in what should be a fascinating, yet low-scoring, contest.

Bournemouth pummeled a red-hot Newcastle side to a 4-1 victory last weekend. But much of the damage stemmed from its high-pressing defence, which forced Newcastle to commit an array of errors that led to scoring chances.

Nottingham Forest are an intelligent team that can absorb pressure in build-up play and take care of the ball. It has conceded the second-fewest errors that led to shots (nine), per The Analyst.

Aggressive attacking squads like Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea have combined for just two goals against it thus far.

The Tricky Trees often create their scoring chances from quick transitions. However, Bournemouth has limited opponents to just 12 fast-break shots, the second-fewest in the league.

Given the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, backing the under at plus-money odds is a value play.

Picks made at 11:25 a.m. on 01/22/25.

Australian Open semifinals picks and predictions: Tennis picks on Djokovic vs. Zverev, Sabalenka vs. Badosa

Australian Open picks

The Australian Open semifinals are here and I have selections for a pair of matches.

The pregame narrative: Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev are no strangers to competing in Grand Slam semi-finals, and I believe their match will go the distance. Before that, I’m betting on Aryna Sabalenka to oust Paula Badosa in straight sets.

Check out my top Australian Open picks for the semifinals.

Australian Open picks

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Best Bet: Djokovic/Zverev over 40.5 games (-120)

Djokovic is proving age is no barrier, coming off an impressive four-set win over Carlos Alcaraz. His 91.5% win rate (97-9) at the Australian Open is extraordinary and he’s warranted a favourite in this one.

Entering his 12th semi-final appearance in Melbourne, Djokovic is not someone you want to fade right now.

His competitor is no slouch, either. Zverev is performing up to his No. 2 ranking by winning all but two of his sets en route to his ninth-career Grand Slam semi-final.

The German has one of the most effective and powerful serves on tour. In the last 52 weeks, Zverev ranks second in serve rating and third in service games won (89.8%).

While Djokovic is highly regarded as one of the best returners in the sport, he’s only won 21% of his return games in 2025.

This marks the 12th contest between the two, with Djokovic winning eight. The last Grand Slam showdown occurred at the 2021 US Open, where the Serbian triumphed in a five-set thriller (4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2).

I see another spectacle here. Djokovic and Zverev, both yet to play in a five-set match in this tournament, will have over 48 hours to recover and prepare.

Key stat: Djokovic (68.4%) and Zverev (72.5%) are both in the top 10 for break points saved on outdoor hard courts in the last 52 weeks.

Quick picks

Sabalenka -1.5 sets (-130): Sabalenka has dominated Badosa in previous matchups.

The top-ranked female has taken their last five head-to-head battles, with three of those wins coming in straight sets.

Having won 19 straight matches in Melbourne, Sabalenka is primed to capture her third straight Australian Open title.

Badosa comes off an upset victory over No. 3-ranked Coco Gauff (7-5, 6-4) but benefitted from 41 unforced errors, including six double faults.

While Badosa is a solid defender, she doesn’t possess the pace to keep up against big hitters like Sabalenka.

Last season, Sabalenka ranked seventh in service games won (78%). Meanwhile, Badosa finished 87th in return games won (36.9%).

Playing in her first Grand Slam semi-final, Badosa will need to perform at her very best to have any chance at pulling off another upset — but I don’t see that happening.

Australian Open picks made at 1:34 p.m. on 01/21/25

Australian Open semifinals picks and predictions: Tennis picks on Djokovic vs. Zverev, Sabalenka vs. Badosa

Australian Open picks

The Australian Open semifinals are here and I have selections for a pair of matches.

The pregame narrative: Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev are no strangers to competing in Grand Slam semi-finals, and I believe their match will go the distance. Before that, I’m betting on Aryna Sabalenka to oust Paula Badosa in straight sets.

Check out my top Australian Open picks for the semifinals.

Australian Open picks

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Best Bet: Djokovic/Zverev over 40.5 games (-115)

Djokovic is proving age is no barrier, coming off an impressive four-set win over Carlos Alcaraz. His 91.5% win rate (97-9) at the Australian Open is extraordinary and he’s warranted a favourite in this one.

Entering his 12th semi-final appearance in Melbourne, Djokovic is not someone you want to fade right now.

His competitor is no slouch, either. Zverev is performing up to his No. 2 ranking by winning all but two of his sets en route to his ninth-career Grand Slam semi-final.

The German has one of the most effective and powerful serves on tour. In the last 52 weeks, Zverev ranks second in serve rating and third in service games won (89.8%).

While Djokovic is highly regarded as one of the best returners in the sport, he’s only won 21% of his return games in 2025.

This marks the 12th contest between the two, with Djokovic winning eight. The last Grand Slam showdown occurred at the 2021 US Open, where the Serbian triumphed in a five-set thriller (4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2).

I see another spectacle here. Djokovic and Zverev, both yet to play in a five-set match in this tournament, will have over 48 hours to recover and prepare.

Key stat: Djokovic (68.4%) and Zverev (72.5%) are both in the top 10 for break points saved on outdoor hard courts in the last 52 weeks.

Quick picks

Sabalenka -1.5 sets (-132): Sabalenka has dominated Badosa in previous matchups.

The top-ranked female has taken their last five head-to-head battles, with three of those wins coming in straight sets.

Having won 19 straight matches in Melbourne, Sabalenka is primed to capture her third straight Australian Open title.

Badosa comes off an upset victory over No. 3-ranked Coco Gauff (7-5, 6-4) but benefitted from 41 unforced errors, including six double faults.

While Badosa is a solid defender, she doesn’t possess the pace to keep up against big hitters like Sabalenka.

Last season, Sabalenka ranked seventh in service games won (78%). Meanwhile, Badosa finished 87th in return games won (36.9%).

Playing in her first Grand Slam semi-final, Badosa will need to perform at her very best to have any chance at pulling off another upset — but I don’t see that happening.

Australian Open picks made at 1:34 p.m. on 01/21/25

PSG vs. Man City same-game parlay predictions Jan. 22: Back Barcola and Foden in Champions League match

PSG vs. Manchester City predictions

A high-stakes Champions League fixture on Matchday 7 sees Paris Saint-Germain host Manchester City on Wednesday.

The pregame narrative: Both European giants desperately need a result, and I expect them to find the score sheet. To round out the parlay, I added player props on Bradley Barcola and Phil Foden.

Check out my PSG vs. Manchester City same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 22.

PSG vs. Manchester City predictions

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Parlay: Both teams to score + Barcola over 0.5 shots on target + Foden over 0.5 shots on target (+265)

Both teams to score (-223): If you predicted these two Giants would battle for tournament survival come January… I wouldn’t believe you.

But as it stands, City (2-2-2) sits in 22nd place at eight points, just one shy of the danger zone. Meanwhile, PSG (2-1-3) is outside the Top 24 with just seven points.

The Citizens are settling back into solid attacking form — albeit against poor defensive sides. Five different scorers contributed to the 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich Town on Sunday, indicative of a well-oiled machine.

With 14 goals in its last four league matches, Erling Haaland and co. should feel confident about scoring on a PSG backline, vulnerable to formidable attacks.

PSG has conceded in five of six Champions League matches, with the lone clean sheet coming off a putrid Salzburg side.

Offensively, the Parisians have scored in all their home fixtures this season. They also get back an important attacker in Ousmane Dembele, who missed the weekend match due to illness.

In a game with massive implications for the qualifying rounds, I expect these two sides to be on the front foot from the outset.

SGP legs

Barcola over 0.5 shots on target (-150): Since Kylian Mbappe’s dismissal from Paris, Barcola has evolved into a lethal scoring threat.

The 22-year-old winger is tied for second in Ligue 1’s scoring charts with 11 goals in 18 matches.

Barcola’s quick pace, superb dribbling and versatility have made him a standout for his domestic and national teams. And against a vulnerable City defence, the Frenchman could run amok.

Barcola has a shot on target in 17 of his last 20 matches across all competitions.

With former Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia soon arriving, the youngster will be determined to cement his place in Luis Enrique’s squad by finding the scoresheet in a critical game.

https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1881358522690003230

Foden over 0.5 shots on target (-150): Among the Citizens returning to scoring form is Foden.

After failing to net a goal in 12 Premier League matches to begin the term, the 24-year-old now has seven goals in his last five — and with 10 shots on target during the stretch.

Despite poor showings in domestic play, Foden has come through in the Champions League with goals in three of six league phase matches.

Pep Guardiola knows the club needs contributions from players not named Haaland, and Foden has finally answered his calling.

Picks made at 2:45 p.m. on 01/20/25.