Contributing Writer

Mercury vs. Aces Game 1 WNBA Finals predictions: Prop picks on Chelsea Gray and Alyssa Thomas

The Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces meet in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.

The latest: The Aces are led by four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, looking for their third title in four years. The Mercury haven’t been to the dance since 2021, but just knocked off the No. 1 seed and have loads of talent, highlighted by Alyssa Thomas

Check out my best Mercury vs. Aces predictions, featuring prop bets on Thomas and Chelsea Gray for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Oct. 3.

Mercury vs. Aces predictions

Best bet: Gray over 16.5 points/assists (-127)

Gray is an integral part of the Aces’ offence. She plays 34.8 minutes a night and is showcasing strong playmaking skills.

She’s averaging 10.9 points and 7.3 assists in the playoffs and is 5-3 against this line.

The assists will be there on most nights, but it’s her scoring that can be inconsistent. One positive is that she takes 3.1 three-point attempts per game, which accounts for almost half her shots.

It also helps that Gray shoots 48.0% from three. If she gets hot, she will quickly add up points.

Either way, she should have quite a few quality looks with how much she plays. The Mercury will also surely be game-planning around stopping Wilson, and that’ll force the second and third options in the Vegas offence to step up.

Key stat: Gray averaged 14.3 points and 5.5 assists in four games vs. Phoenix in the regular season.

Full WNBA betting markets

WNBA prop picks

Thomas under 18.5 rebounds/assists (-106): Even though Thomas is a triple-double threat on a nightly basis, this line falls just below her season average (18.0 rebounds/assists).

That number has dropped in the postseason (17.5), and this is a tough matchup.

Thomas went 1-3 against this wager against Las Vegas in the regular season, averaging 16.5 RA.

She was incredible in the semifinals, but still went 1-3 against this line despite having 8+ rebounds and 7+ assists in every game.

That tells me that her floor is really high, but not this high.

Overall, Thomas has finished short of this total in five of seven postseason games.

Mercury vs. Aces predictions made at 12:05 p.m. ET on 10/03/2025.

NHL 2025 opening week schedule and betting odds: Season kicks off with 3 games, Maple Leafs start Oct. 8

We’re less than a week away from the opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season.

The latest: The first night of action sees the back-to-back Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers host the youthful Chicago Blackhawks as part of a three-game slate. A night later, four Canadian teams play, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens adding another chapter to their historic rivalry.

Check out the NHL schedule and betting odds for the first week of the season, beginning Oct. 7.

NHL schedule: Opening night notes

The defending champs get a lay-up on opening night. Chicago had the fewest points in the Central Division last season and still looks to be in the preliminary stages of a rebuild. Connor Bedard was stagnant in Year 2 but still carries the potential to be a top-five player in the NHL one day.

Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers are looking for big bounce-back seasons after missing the playoffs in 2024-25. Pittsburgh will want better results while Sidney Crosby is still around, and New York has the seventh-highest cap hit in the NHL. Neither squad can afford another lost season.

A pair of first-round exits headline the first night of action. The Colorado Avalanche haven’t won the Central Division since 2022-23, leading to some tough playoff matchups. The Los Angeles Kings overachieved last year but were bounced by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round after finishing second in the Pacific.

Bet on the first week of the NHL season

NHL opening night matchups: Oct. 7

Click on game odds below to bet.

Blackhawks vs. Panthers

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Penguins vs. Rangers

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Avalanche vs. Kings

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NHL schedule and betting notes: Oct. 8

It’s another light slate on Wednesday, with four games on tap. Two of them are all-Canadian matchups.

The Leafs and Canadiens will open their season against one another for the sixth consecutive year. Each contest has been settled by one goal, with Toronto winning three of the five games.

But it was the Canadiens who won last season’s opener, 1-0, behind a stellar 48 saves from Sam Montembeault.

Not to be outdone, we’re also treated to the Battle of Alberta, as the Cup finalist Oilers host the Calgary Flames.

Edmonton has started the past two seasons with a loss, but it’s all or nothing in Connor McDavid’s final year under contract, and the Oilers will be looking to begin with a better result.

Bet on McDavid to win the Hart Trophy

Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs

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Flames vs. Oilers

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Opening week NHL matchups

The NHL campaign kicks into high gear on Thursday, with 14 games scheduled before a one-day pause in play ahead of the first Saturday of the season.

Saturday is loaded. All 32 teams are playing and the action starts at 1:30 p.m. ET, running through the night.

Three games are scheduled for 10 p.m., including the one all-Canadian matchup of the day (Vancouver Canucks vs. Oilers).

Earlier in the night, Toronto visits the Detroit Red Wings for its second game of the season.

Top European soccer picks and predictions: Back Real Madrid to win, goals in Juventus vs. AC Milan

Europe’s top soccer leagues are in full swing this weekend.

The pre-weekend narrative: Crystal Palace looks to keep ascending up the EPL table in a matchup with Everton on Sunday. Later on, two Italian giants, Juventus and AC Milan, battle for position atop the Serie A table.

Check out this weekend’s best European soccer predictions for games beginning on Oct. 4, 2025, featuring a pick on Real Madrid vs. Villarreal.

Soccer predictions

Real Madrid vs. Villarreal (Oct. 4, 3 p.m. ET)

Best bet: Real Madrid halftime/fulltime (+100)

Madrid is coming off a shocking 5-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid in La Liga. But that was on the road, and Atletico is a European powerhouse.

Los Blancos are back at home and play an inferior Villarreal squad that is currently third in the La Liga table but hasn’t played many quality opponents.

Villarreal has won the last three matches in Spain by one goal apiece against teams all outside of the top eight. Two of those matches were at home.

When the side had to play better teams, it fell short. Villarreal lost to both Tottenham and Atletico Madrid on the road in the past few weeks. Each opponent cashed this wager.

I believe Real Madrid’s offence will be too much to handle here. Los Blancos score 2.3 goals per match.

Villarreal has a big UCL match on Wednesday vs. Juventus, while Madrid played on Tuesday and dominated FC Kairat of the Kazakhstan Premier League, 5-0.

The away team will have a lot more squad management to worry about ahead of this weekend, and Real Madrid should be rather fresh.

Expect a quick start from Xabi Alonso’s starting 11.

Key stat: Madrid is 3-1 against this wager in its last four games across all competitions.

Bet on La Liga soccer

EPL best bet

Matchup: Everton vs. Crystal Palace (Oct. 5, 9 a.m. ET)

Both teams to score – No (-118): Crystal Palace is playing way above expectations, sitting third on the EPL table after six matches.

That’s because of its strong defence. The side is tied with Arsenal for the fewest goals allowed per match (0.5).

On the other side is Everton, a team that has struggled to score (seven goals so far). But the Toffies are ninth on the table thanks to their defensive efforts.

Under 2.5 goals in this match holds a -159 price tag, and if you can stomach that price, it’s a play I’d also recommend.

But there’s a strong chance this match plays as a stalemate with at least one side holding a clean sheet.

If I had to pick a team to win, I’d lean toward Crystal Palace because of its recent results, but the Eagles are on the road, so there’s a chance Everton squeaks out a win or even a 0-0 draw.

Full EPL betting markets

Serie A prediction

Matchup: Juventus vs. AC Milan (Oct. 5, 2:45 p.m. ET)

Over 2.5 goals (+105): This is arguably the most gruelling part of the soccer schedule. Since Sept. 13, these teams have combined to play eight matches. Mix in international fixtures for some players, and it’s been a busy month.

That could lead to more mistakes this weekend, and these two sides are talented enough to take advantage.

Milan is tied for first in Serie A and has scored 2+ goals in five of seven matches this season (all competitions).

Juventus sits one point behind and has scored in all six of its matches.

That includes a 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and a 4-3 win over Inter Milan in Serie A. At its best, Juventus’ offence can cash this wager alone.

These attacks are potent and have a high ceiling for Sunday’s match.

Bet on Serie A soccer

Soccer predictions made at 10:25 a.m. on 10/01/2025.

CFL Week 18 predictions, picks and betting odds: Expect BC to keep its streak alive, take the over in Hamilton vs. Toronto

A few teams look to rise in the CFL standings with the playoffs quickly approaching.

This week’s CFL narrative: The BC Lions are rolling currently and can hand the Calgary Stampeders their fourth straight loss while jumping them in the West Division. In the East, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats look to hold a firm grasp on the top spot against the Toronto Argonauts.

Check out the latest CFL Week 18 predictions for the games beginning Friday, Oct. 3.

CFL Week 18 predictions

Best bet: Lions -3.5 (-110)

One team is trending up while the other is in a major downward spiral.

The Lions are on a 3-0 run, covering this spread in every game during their streak.

BC has seemingly figured out its defence, allowing 27 or fewer points in all those wins.

Calgary is on a three-game losing streak with a -59 point differential during the drought.

One of those losses was a 52-23 clobbering at the hands of the Lions in Week 16.

The Stampeders can’t stop anything on defence right now. They’ve allowed over 40.0 PPG during their losing streak.

If BC’s defence can even be average, Nathan Rourke and the offence should do enough to comfortably win this game.

Key stat: Rourke has an average passer rating of 116.0 during his team’s current win streak.

Full CFL betting markets

CFL Week 18 picks

Tiger-Cats/Argonauts over 57.5 points (-110): The Argonauts are one of the most exciting teams in the CFL because of their high-scoring games.

Toronto has the second-best scoring offence (29.1 points per game), while allowing the most points against (31.0 PPG)

Hamilton isn’t far behind in either category, scoring 28.2 PPG and allowing 27.7.

When these two met in Week 13, they smashed the over on the total. The game finished with 68 points.

There isn’t a good reason to expect any different in the rematch. Their first meeting ended with even more scoring. Hamilton won in Week 5, 51-38.

Quarterback Nick Arbuckle struggled in the early going but has led Toronto to plenty of shootouts. The over on this total is 3-2 in the Argos’ last five games.

And the Tiger-Cats provide the right matchup for this game to have some fireworks. Expect another high-scoring contest between rivals in Week 18.

CFL betting odds and matchups: Oct. 3

Roughriders (-200) vs. Redblacks (+163)
Friday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m. CT

Saskatchewan has lost back-to-back games but still holds the best record in the CFL (10-4). The Roughriders still need to turn things around and have a prime opportunity to do so against Ottawa on Saturday. The Redblacks have a CFL-worst four wins with the worst point differential of any team (-62).

CFL Week 18 predictions as of 2:56 p.m. on 10/01/2025.

CFL Week 18 predictions, picks and betting odds: Expect BC to keep its streak alive, take the over in Hamilton vs. Toronto

A few teams look to rise in the CFL standings with the playoffs quickly approaching.

This week’s CFL narrative: The BC Lions are rolling currently and can hand the Calgary Stampeders their fourth straight loss while jumping them in the West Division. In the East, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats look to hold a firm grasp on the top spot against the Toronto Argonauts.

Check out the latest CFL Week 18 predictions for the games beginning Friday, Oct. 3.

CFL Week 18 predictions

Best bet: Lions -4.5 (-110)

One team is trending up while the other is in a major downward spiral.

The Lions are on a 3-0 run, covering this spread in every game during their streak.

BC has seemingly figured out its defence, allowing 27 or fewer points in all those wins.

Calgary is on a three-game losing streak with a -59 point differential during the drought.

One of those losses was a 52-23 clobbering at the hands of the Lions in Week 16.

The Stampeders can’t stop anything on defence right now. They’ve allowed over 40.0 PPG during their losing streak.

If BC’s defence can even be average, Nathan Rourke and the offence should do enough to comfortably win this game.

Key stat: Rourke has an average passer rating of 116.0 during his team’s current win streak.

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Full CFL betting markets

CFL Week 18 picks

Tiger-Cats/Argonauts over 58 points (-110): The Argonauts are one of the most exciting teams in the CFL because of their high-scoring games.

Toronto has the second-best scoring offence (29.1 points per game), while allowing the most points against (31.0 PPG)

Hamilton isn’t far behind in either category, scoring 28.2 PPG and allowing 27.7.

When these two met in Week 13, they smashed the over on the total. The game finished with 68 points.

There isn’t a good reason to expect any different in the rematch. Their first meeting ended with even more scoring. Hamilton won in Week 5, 51-38.

Quarterback Nick Arbuckle struggled in the early going but has led Toronto to plenty of shootouts. The over on this total is 3-2 in the Argos’ last five games.

And the Tiger-Cats provide the right matchup for this game to have some fireworks. Expect another high-scoring contest between rivals in Week 18.

CFL betting odds and matchups: Oct. 3

Roughriders (-200) vs. Redblacks (+163)
Friday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. ET

Saskatchewan has lost back-to-back games but still holds the best record in the CFL (10-4). The Roughriders still need to turn things around and have a prime opportunity to do so against Ottawa on Saturday. The Redblacks have a CFL-worst four wins with the worst point differential of any team (-62).

CFL Week 18 predictions as of 11:50 a.m. on 10/01/2025.

Top European soccer picks and predictions: Back Real Madrid to win, goals in Juventus vs. AC Milan

Europe’s top soccer leagues are in full swing this weekend.

The pre-weekend narrative: Crystal Palace looks to keep ascending up the EPL table in a matchup with Everton on Sunday. Later on, two Italian giants, Juventus and AC Milan, battle for position atop the Serie A table.

Check out this weekend’s best European soccer predictions for games beginning on Oct. 4, 2025, featuring a pick on Real Madrid vs. Villarreal.

Soccer predictions

Real Madrid vs. Villarreal (Oct. 4, 3 p.m. ET)

Best bet: Real Madrid halftime/fulltime (+106)

Madrid is coming off a shocking 5-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid in La Liga. But that was on the road, and Atletico is a European powerhouse.

Los Blancos are back at home and play an inferior Villarreal squad that is currently third in the La Liga table but hasn’t played many quality opponents.

Villarreal has won the last three matches in Spain by one goal apiece against teams all outside of the top eight. Two of those matches were at home.

When the side had to play better teams, it fell short. Villarreal lost to both Tottenham and Atletico Madrid on the road in the past few weeks. Each opponent cashed this wager.

I believe Real Madrid’s offence will be too much to handle here. Los Blancos score 2.3 goals per match.

Villarreal has a big UCL match on Wednesday vs. Juventus, while Madrid played on Tuesday and dominated FC Kairat of the Kazakhstan Premier League, 5-0.

The away team will have a lot more squad management to worry about ahead of this weekend, and Real Madrid should be rather fresh.

Expect a quick start from Xabi Alonso’s starting 11.

Key stat: Madrid is 3-1 against this wager in its last four games across all competitions.

Bet on La Liga soccer

EPL best bet

Matchup: Everton vs. Crystal Palace (Oct. 5, 9 a.m. ET)

Both teams to score – No (-127): Crystal Palace is playing way above expectations, sitting third on the EPL table after six matches.

That’s because of its strong defence. The side is tied with Arsenal for the fewest goals allowed per match (0.5).

On the other side is Everton, a team that has struggled to score (seven goals so far). But the Toffies are ninth on the table thanks to their defensive efforts.

Under 2.5 goals in this match holds a -159 price tag, and if you can stomach that price, it’s a play I’d also recommend.

But there’s a strong chance this match plays as a stalemate with at least one side holding a clean sheet.

If I had to pick a team to win, I’d lean toward Crystal Palace because of its recent results, but the Eagles are on the road, so there’s a chance Everton squeaks out a win or even a 0-0 draw.

Full EPL betting markets

Serie A prediction

Matchup: Juventus vs. AC Milan (Oct. 5, 2:45 p.m. ET)

Over 2.5 goals (+115): This is arguably the most gruelling part of the soccer schedule. Since Sept. 13, these teams have combined to play eight matches. Mix in international fixtures for some players, and it’s been a busy month.

That could lead to more mistakes this weekend, and these two sides are talented enough to take advantage.

Milan is tied for first in Serie A and has scored 2+ goals in five of seven matches this season (all competitions).

Juventus sits one point behind and has scored in all six of its matches.

That includes a 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and a 4-3 win over Inter Milan in Serie A. At its best, Juventus’ offence can cash this wager alone.

These attacks are potent and have a high ceiling for Sunday’s match.

Bet on Serie A soccer

Soccer predictions made at 10:25 a.m. on 10/01/2025.

Toronto Maple Leafs futures odds and predictions for 2025-26 NHL season: Best bets on Auston Matthews, William Nylander and more

The 2025-26 NHL season is around the corner, and the Toronto Maple Leafs will have a different look after busting up their core four.

Can the Mitch Marner-less Leafs repeat as Atlantic Division winners? Is there any hope for a Stanley Cup in Toronto this season?

Those are some of the questions worth exploring as we dive into Maple Leafs betting markets and make our best futures predictions for the upcoming season.

Maple Leafs futures markets

Check out all Maple Leafs and NHL futures markets. Click linked odds to add selection to your betslip.

Maple Leafs futures	Betting odds
Over 99.5 points	+100
Under 99.5 points	-125
To reach the playoffs – Yes	-360
To reach the playoffs – No	+270
To win the Atlantic Division	+300
Odds to win Stanley Cup	+1,700

Maple Leafs futures odds as of 2:30 p.m. ET on 09/29/2025.

The Atlantic Division should be competitive once again, with the Florida Panthers maintaining their core and the Tampa Bay Lightning remaining strong from top to bottom.

With the departure of Marner, the Leafs hold the third-shortest odds to win the Atlantic behind those two powerhouses.

The Ottawa Senators, who have loads of young talent and are expected to improve after making the playoffs in 2024-25, are behind the Leafs.

Lightning: +200
Panthers: +225
Maple Leafs: +300
Senators: +650
Canadiens: +1,400

Toronto is coming off a 53-26-4 season and managed to retain most of its roster with some big cuts to the payroll.

Bet on NHL futures

Maple Leafs futures prediction

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Best bet: Over 99.5 points (+100)

A lot went right for Toronto last season. The result was 108 points and the team’s first Atlantic Division title.

Repeating that will be difficult, as will replacing Marner’s 102-point season. But a handful of more games from captain Auston Matthews would help.

Matthews missed 15 games with an injury and was quiet in Toronto’s seven-game series loss to the Panthers.

Matthew Knies taking another step would also be crucial. He had a career-high 58 points last season as a 22-year-old.

The defence is still solid with elite goaltending standing behind them. Anthony Stolarz had the best save percentage (.926) in the NHL.

Because of that, Toronto boasted a top-10 defence, allowing the sixth-fewest goals against per game (2.79).

That should be the case again this season, while Matthews, Knies, William Nylander and John Tavares are enough to give the Leafs immense offensive upside.

Maple Leafs futures markets: Player props

Best bets	Odds
Nylander over 83.5 points	-112
Matthews over 44.5 goals	-130

Prediction: Nylander over 83.5 points (-112)

Nylander led the Leafs with 45 goals last season but had his fewest assists (39) since 2020-21.

The year before last, he had a career-high 58 assists and 98 points. With Marner leaving, the extra production will be needed.

Nylander had just 16 secondary assists last season, tied for 75th in the NHL and the same amount as Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Based on how much of the offence flows through the winger, this is an indication of some bad luck.

Even though he didn’t rack up as many points as expected last season, Nylander still cleared this mark, and there’s no reason to think more production isn’t coming.

Matthews futures prop bet

Prediction: Matthews over 44.5 goals (-130)

Matthews had a bad offensive year by his standards.

His 33 goals were the fewest he’s ever had, but some things were working against him.

Beyond the injuries, Matthews dealt with bad luck, plain and simple. According to MoneyPuck, he led the NHL with 41.1 expected goals.

For reference, Leon Draisaitl led the league with 52 goals but had significantly less xG (31.4).

Surprisingly, Matthews is only 3-3 against this wager over his past six seasons, but he did score 60 twice, demonstrating his ceiling smashes this line.

The 28-year-old ranked in the 98th percentile for shots on goal last season (261) but had a below-average 12.6 shooting percentage.

Matthews will continue to shoot the puck at an alarming rate, and there’s a lot that can be improved on. That’s why I’m buying in on the bounce back.

Maple Leafs futures markets as of 3:30 p.m. on 09/29/2025.

NFL Week 5 upset picks: Back the Browns to win as underdogs in London

A pick on Sunday’s international game headlines my NFL Week 5 upset predictions.

The pregame narrative: The Cleveland Browns have been fiesty in the early goings and could be a problem for the Minnesota Vikings in London. Later on, take the value on the New England Patriots against the undefeated Buffalo Bills.

Check out my top Week 5 NFL upset picks.

NFL upset picks: Week 5

Best bet: Browns moneyline (+160)

Even though Cleveland is 1-3, there is a lot to like moving forward.

The defence is legit: Getting lit up by the Detroit Lions’ offence is something that will happen. Cleveland still leads the NFL in yards allowed per play (4.1).

Quinshon Judkins is a star: The first-round running back leads rookies in rushing yards per game (79.0).

The Vikings just got demolished on the ground by the Pittsburgh Steelers with Kenneth Gainwell as the lead back. He ran the ball 19 times for a career-high 99 yards.

And while there’s hope that J.J. McCarthy returns, the Vikings may remain very cautious with their young quarterback’s high ankle sprain.

That leaves Carson Wentz. He needed to do more in Week 4, and he struggled in the first half. He did finish with 350 yards passing, but his decision-making and two turnovers cost Minnesota in the end.

Even if McCarthy comes back, he hasn’t played football in a few weeks and should struggle against the Browns’ pressure.

Key stat: Cleveland has the fourth-highest sack percentage in the NFL (9.24%).

NFL underdog predictions

Patriots moneyline (+300): How good do the Patriots look so far?

Drake Maye has been incredible as a sophomore. His play, mixed with some strong defence, has New England sitting at 2-2.

Josh Allen is a pretty sizable favourite to win MVP, and Maye has been on par with him.

Allen: 964 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT, 109.7 passer rating

Maye: 988 yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs, 109.4 passer rating

This New England squad is much better than in past years.

Buffalo is 4-0 but had issues putting away the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints in the past two weeks.

The Bills are the better team, no doubt, but there’s certainly value on the Patriots at this price.

New England is 2-2 against Buffalo over the past two seasons.

NFL upset picks made at 9:10 a.m. ET on 09/29/2025.

Best men’s tennis picks Sept. 30: Predictions on Alcaraz vs. Fritz in Japan Open final, Sinner vs. de Minaur in China Open semis

The top two-ranked players on the ATP Tour are in action early Tuesday morning.

The pre-match narrative: Carlos Alcaraz looks to add another trophy to his cabinet in what has been an incredible season. He’ll need to beat top-five player Taylor Fritz to earn the win in Tokyo. In Beijing, Jannik Sinner and Alex de Minaur compete in an electric semifinal.

Check out my top tennis predictions for the Sept. 30 matches at the China Open and Japan Open.

Tennis predictions: Japan Open, Sept. 30

Best bet: Fritz +1.5 sets (+115)

The American is seasoned on hard courts. He played 40 matches on the surface this year, amassing a 30-10 record.

He most recently played Alcaraz at the Laver Cup on Sept. 20 and won the match triumphantly in straight sets. He also took on the Spaniard at Wimbledon and lost, but still managed to win a set.

Fritz is 8-2 in his last 10 and beat his counterpart less than 10 days ago on a similar playing surface. He deserves consideration as a big underdog here.

Alcaraz has played one top-15 player at this event (Casper Ruud in the semifinal) and needed all three sets to pick up the victory.

The world No. 1 converted just two of his nine break points in that match.

Key stat: Fritz has the better service hold percentage at the Tokyo Open (89%).

Full tennis betting markets

China Open best bet: Sinner vs. de Minaur

Over 20 games (-106): There are some real advantages on the side of Sinner, but this line is too low.

Firstly, the Italian is 10-0 against de Minaur in his career, winning nine of 10 matches in straight sets.

Sinner’s 21-2 on hard courts this season and nine of those matches played between these two were contested on some variation of a hard court surface.

With all that being said, de Minaur cannot be discredited. He’s No. 8 in the world right now and holds a solid 26-8 record on hard courts.

The Australian has been just as dominant at the China Open and has played an hour less of tennis at this event, which implies a stamina advantage.

This is his preferred playing surface. He should be able to hold enough service points to push this match over this very modest total.

It’s hardly a fade against Sinner, who can still win this match comfortably in two sets. He simply can’t blow his opponent out.

Tennis predictions made at 11:03 a.m. on 09/29/2025.

Champions League picks and predictions Sept. 30: Back Liverpool on the road, Tottenham to win

Two English giants headline Tuesday’s Champions League picks.

The pregame narrative: Both Liverpool and Tottenham are coming off wins in Matchday 1. Now, the Reds will travel to Turkey to challenge Galatasaray. At the same time, the Hotspur will be on the road taking on FC Bodo/Glimt.

Check out the best Champions League predictions for the matches on Sept. 30.

Champions League predictions

Best bet: Liverpool halftime/fulltime (+130)

Liverpool is coming off its first Premier League defeat, losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace.

But that doesn’t make me think any less of the reigning EPL champs, who are the much more talented side in this matchup.

The Reds have notable wins over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League.

Galatasaray got dominated in its first UCL game, losing 5-1 to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Frankfurt scored three goals in the first half before adding two more in the second.

Turkey’s Super Lig is a tier below the top flights in Europe, and I expect that to be evident when the Reds visit.

Key stat: Galatasaray had the worst team rating of all 36 UCL teams in the first match (5.72).

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Bet on the Champions League

Best FC Bodo/Glimt vs. Tottenham bet

Tottenham to win (+112): I could not pass up on the plus-money price on Tottenham tomorrow.

There are several reasons to like the London club, even on the road.

The Hotspur sit fourth on the Premier League table with 11 points and a +7 goal differential.

They opened the UCL league phase with a win over Villarreal, one of La Liga’s top teams.

Glimt tied its opener 2-2 with Slavia Praha. The Czech side recorded 26 shots (11 on target), so they could’ve easily scored a couple more times.

Allowing a team to attack freely will be detrimental against a side like Tottenham.

It is tied for fourth in the EPL with 11 goals through six matches.

Thomas Frank has his squad attacking with purpose, and that should shine through against a weaker side like Glimt.

Champions League predictions made at 2:01 p.m. on 09/29/2025.