Soccer Archives - Page 17 of 32

How to make a parlay bet

A parlay is when you bet on more than one event on a single ticket. Every bet (known as a leg) on that ticket must be successful in order for you to win the parlay. Like a single-event bet, you only wager once but you can add two, three, four, five, or more outcomes to the same bet slip.

If any of them are wrong, however, you will lose the parlay.

-> New to wagering? Sign up at NorthStar Bets to get the latest odds, insights and betting tools throughout the season.

Parlays are attractive because of their payout potential but they are harder bets to win because you need to predict multiple scenarios correctly. We’ll break it all down below.

How to make a parlay bet

You can mix markets on a parlay, so your ticket could have a moneyline play, point spread bet, as well as a player prop. Or it could be three moneyline bets or three over/under plays.

You could even make a parlay bet centred around futures, such as picking the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup and Liverpool to win the Premier League.

-> Want to see updated Stanley Cup or EPL odds? Create your account at NorthStar Bets and access futures markets year-round

The parlay can also be cross-sport, meaning you could combine an NHL and EPL bet on the same ticket, giving you literally thousands of possible combinations on any given day.

Still unsure of what a parlay bet is? Below is an example.

Pick	Odds	Market
Raptors -3.5 vs. Wizards	-110	Point spread
Leafs to beat Bruins	-140	Moneyline
Liverpool vs. Manchester United over 3.5 goals	+105	Total

All three of those events have their own set of odds. You could make single wagers on each game but you could also turn that into a parlay and bet all three on one ticket.

The odds would change once making it a parlay and increase the payout potential because of the greater difficulty in successfully predicting all events.

The odds on this parlay are +569, meaning you would stand to profit $569 on a $100 bet. Here’s how much you would earn if you correctly bet each of those contests individually.

Team	Odds	Wager	Win
Raptors	-110	$100	$90.91
Leafs	-140	$100	$71.43
Blue Jays	+105	$100	$105

As you can see, the ROI on the parlay is significantly more than if you made separate bets for each game. But, again, it’s important to remember that while parlays are enticing, they come with much more risk.

For NFL Sunday, many bettors like to play either moneyline or point spread parlays or some combination of the two. But parlays can be done on any night and they are popular betting options for sports like the NBA and NHL as well.

Same-game parlays and futures

You can also make a same-game parlay wager, which consists of adding multiple events from only one contest to the same ticket. A same-game parlay is also known as an SGP.

-> Build your own same-game parlay when you join NorthStar Bets

So, for example, you could make a Real Madrid-only parlay that combined the moneyline, total and a player prop, such as Kylian Mbappe to score.

These wagers are growing in both availability and popularity and you can make SGP bets right here at NorthStar.

-> Ready to put your knowledge to use ? Sign up for NorthStar Bets to access live odds, props, parlays and exclusive Canadian Insights all season long

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid picks and predictions May 11: Bet on Lewandowski in Sunday’s El Clasico

The fourth and final El Clasico this season headlines Sunday’s La Liga action.

The pregame narrative: Barcelona is coming off a heartbreaking loss in the Champions League semifinal, but needs to refocus on the job at hand: winning La Liga. Four points separate Barca from Madrid in the table with four games to play.

Check out the best Barcelona vs. Real Madrid picks featuring Raphinha for the match on May 11.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid picks

Best Bet: Barcelona to win (+100)

Barcelona has won all three meetings between these historic rivals this season:

October 4 (La Liga): 4-0
January 11 (Spanish Supercopa final): 5-2
April 25 (Copa del Rey final): 3-2 AET

The last victory required extra time, but Barcelona largely dominated play. It held 60% possession, out-shot Real Madrid 22-15 (9-7 SOT), and generated 1.85 xG to Madrid’s 0.918.

Given the previous two results — and the fact that this is being played in Barcelona — I’m happy to back the hosts to win.

Hansi Flick’s side just crashed out of the Champions League after losing a nail-biting 7-6 tie to Inter Milan, but the team’s offence showed plenty of promise without Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish striker was subbed on late in the second leg, which is a promising sign that he’ll be ready to play big minutes against Madrid.

As for Madrid, it is dealing with a few key injuries.

Defensive midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and centre back Antonio Rudiger are both out. Madrid has struggled to keep the ball out of its net this season, especially in this fixture.

Key stat: Madrid has conceded multiple goals in seven of its last 10 games.

Go to full La Liga betting markets.

Quick pick

Lewandowski to score (-120): There is some risk here given Lewandowski’s fitness, but Rotowire projects the Polish striker to be in Barcelona’s starting XI on Sunday.

And when Lewandowski’s on the pitch, he’s been unstoppable:

He has 40 goals for Barcelona across all competitions, scoring in both matches against Real Madrid (three total goals).

Lewandowski leads La Liga in goals (24), expected goals (24.2), goals per 90 (0.92), and big chances missed (20), according to FotMob.

The best goalscorer of this generation being priced at plus money in a game like this is too good for me to ignore.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid picks made at 3:12 p.m. on 05/10/25.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid picks and predictions May 11: Bet on Lewandowski in Sunday’s El Clasico

The fourth and final El Clasico this season headlines Sunday’s La Liga action.

The pregame narrative: Barcelona is coming off a heartbreaking loss in the Champions League semifinal, but needs to refocus on the job at hand: winning La Liga. Four points separate Barca from Madrid in the table with four games to play.

Check out the best Barcelona vs. Real Madrid picks featuring Raphinha for the match on May 11.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid picks

Best Bet: Barcelona to win (+100)

Barcelona has won all three meetings between these historic rivals this season:

October 4 (La Liga): 4-0
January 11 (Spanish Supercopa final): 5-2
April 25 (Copa del Rey final): 3-2 AET

The last victory required extra time, but Barcelona largely dominated play. It held 60% possession, out-shot Real Madrid 22-15 (9-7 SOT), and generated 1.85 xG to Madrid’s 0.918.

Given the previous two results — and the fact that this is being played in Barcelona — I’m happy to back the hosts to win.

Hansi Flick’s side just crashed out of the Champions League after losing a nail-biting 7-6 tie to Inter Milan, but the team’s offence showed plenty of promise without Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish striker was subbed on late in the second leg, which is a promising sign that he’ll be ready to play big minutes against Madrid.

As for Madrid, it is dealing with a few key injuries.

Defensive midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and centre back Antonio Rudiger are both out. Madrid has struggled to keep the ball out of its net this season, especially in this fixture.

Key stat: Madrid has conceded multiple goals in seven of its last 10 games.

Go to full La Liga betting markets.

Quick pick

Lewandowski to score (+120): There is some risk here given Lewandowski’s fitness, but Rotowire projects the Polish striker to be in Barcelona’s starting XI on Sunday.

And when Lewandowski’s on the pitch, he’s been unstoppable:

He has 40 goals for Barcelona across all competitions, scoring in both matches against Real Madrid (three total goals).

Lewandowski leads La Liga in goals (24), expected goals (24.2), goals per 90 (0.92), and big chances missed (20), according to FotMob.

The best goalscorer of this generation being priced at plus money in a game like this is too good for me to ignore.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid picks made at 3:12 p.m. on 05/10/25.

PSG vs. Inter Milan Champions League final odds: Paris is favoured to win May 31 match in Munich

The Champions League final is set with Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan battling for continental supremacy in Munich.

The latest: PSG is favoured to win its first major European trophy after besting Arsenal, 3-1 on aggregate, in the semifinal. Inter Milan shouldn’t be overlooked after defeating Barcelona in an all-time classic tie, which finished 7-6 on aggregate and needed extra time.

Here are the latest Champions League odds for the final on May 31.

Champions League odds

Embed: #97676

Go to full Champions League betting markets

PSG is a deserving favourite after playing a dominant tie against Arsenal.

The Parisians jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second leg and held on thanks to the spectacular play of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who allowed just one goal on 4.7 xG.

That came on the heels of toppling two other English clubs — Liverpool and Aston Villa — in the knockout rounds.

Take a look at where PSG ranks in this competition in several key categories, provided by FotMob:

1st in match rating (7.26)
1st in big chances (63)
2nd in xG (33.3)
4th in possession (61.8)

By many metrics, Inter Milan was the best defensive team heading into its semifinal tie. But it had to adjust its style against high-flying Barcelona.

The Nerazzuri took early leads in both games before relinquishing them, and eventually were down one in stoppage time in the second leg.

A pair of Italians played hero as Francesco Acerbi tied the game and Davide Frattesi scored the deciding goal in extra time.

Still, Inter has allowed the third-fewest goals per match (0.8) with the most clean sheets (eight).

PSG vs. Arsenal Champions League semifinal SGP predictions May 7: Back Declan Rice in +350 wager

Arsenal will need a comeback effort in Paris to advance to the Champions League final.

The pregame narrative: PSG holds a 1-0 lead after a hard-fought victory in London. Arsenal was arguably the better side but is rightfully an underdog on the road in this second leg.

Check out my PSG vs. Arsenal SGP predictions for May 7, featuring Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice.

PSG vs. Arsenal predictions

Parlay: Arsenal to win or tie | Martinelli over 0.5 SOT | Rice over 0.5 shots (+290)

Arsenal to win or tie (-127): The English side out-chanced its opponent in the first leg, registering 1.46 xG while PSG mustered up 1.25.

That doesn’t matter much when the final result is a loss, but it’s worth noting when looking ahead to Wednesday.

It’s also telling that the Gunners are tied with Inter Milan for fewest goals conceded per match in this tournament (0.6).

While the Parisians have Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, who’s among the best in the world at his position, it’s Arsenal that has proven to be the tougher defensive side.

The Gunners played a second leg on the road in the quarterfinal, beating Real Madrid 2-1.

While those were different circumstances with Arsenal up 3-0 heading into that leg, Los Blancos were the favourites to raise the Champions League trophy before that matchup.

Arsenal is 4-1-1 on the road in the Champions League this season. Thomas Partey also returns from a suspension that forced him to miss the match in London.

He is an integral part of the midfield as the defensive anchor, and his return gives me heightened confidence in his squad to get a result.

Go to full Champions League betting markets

Champions League SGP legs

Martinelli over 0.5 SOT (-104): I’m interested in this as a solo play, but it’s also a great addition to this SGP.

The Brazilian attacker has been consistent against this line, recording a shot on goal in 7 of his last 8 appearances.

He’s played at least 89 minutes in Arsenal’s last three Champions League matches, cashing this wager each time.

The Gunners will be desperate for offence, and Martinelli is the focal point. An uptick in opportunities should be available for the striker, who often clears this line anyway.

Rice over 0.5 shots (-286): Here’s another pick with solid backing, and the price reflects that.

Rice has attempted a shot in 16 of the past 17 games.

He’s cashed this wager in eight of his last 10 UCL appearances.

The English midfielder is Arsenal’s free-kick taker, which could lead to an easy shot attempt that wouldn’t even need to be on target.

Rice can play further up the field in the second leg with the return of Partey as the defensive midfielder.

PSG vs. Arsenal predictions made at 11:36 a.m. on 05/06/25.

Champions League semifinals prop picks and predictions: Bet on Raphinha and Gabriel Martinelli

The second leg of the Champions League semifinals is built up to be a classic.

The pregame narrative: Barcelona fought back from an early deficit to force a 3-3 draw against Inter Milan and now heads to the San Siro with Robert Lewandowski back in its lineup. Meanwhile, Arsenal is a heavy underdog to erase a 1-0 deficit in Paris and advance to the final.

Check out the best Champions League prop picks featuring Raphinha and Gabriel Martinelli for the second leg.

Champions League picks

Best Bet: Raphinha to score or assist (-106)

Barcelona needed a spark down 0-2 without Lewandowski in the opening leg, and Raphinha helped answer the bell.

The Brazilian forward assisted on Ferran Torres’ game-tying goal and had five shot attempts (three on target) while playing the full 90 minutes.

That marked Raphinha’s 20th goal involvement in the Champions League this season (13 matches), putting him one back of Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record from 2013-14.

Lewandowski will be back on Tuesday, and that’s one more elite mouth for Raphinha to feed. The Polish striker has 40 goals across all competitions for Barca this year and helps stretch the pitch, making everyone more effective.

Inter Milan has been the competition’s best defensive team, but cracks are appearing in the Nerrazurri’s facade at the wrong time.

It has given up a goal in 10 of its last 11 games, with 10 goals allowed over its past six.

Key stat: Raphinha has cashed this bet in four of Barcelona’s five UCL knockout stage games.

Embed: #113443

Go to full Champions League betting markets.

Quick pick

Martinelli over 0.5 shots on target (-106): Bukayo Saka hasn’t been his typical game-breaking self since returning from injury on April 1, with just two goals and zero assists in nine appearances.

But Martinelli has picked up some of the slack, and he seems like a great value to record a SOT on Wednesday.

Martinelli has a shot on target in three straight games for the Gunners, and in 7 of his last 10.

That includes the opening leg against PSG, where he generated a team-high 1.1 xG (three shot attempts, one SOT).

He has multiple shot attempts in all but one game since Saka returned to the lineup.

The Brazilian forward was Arsenal’s most dangerous player in the first leg and will likely get the full 90 for Mikel Arteta, barring an injury.

With that said, he’ll have plenty of chances to fire on net.

Champions League picks made at 3:12 p.m. on 05/05/25.

Champions League semifinal schedule and odds: Inter Milan and Barcelona even heading into second leg

Two games will determine which pair of clubs meet in the Champions League final later this month.

The pregame narrative: Inter Milan and Barcelona took part in an electric first leg that ended in a 3-3 draw. The Italian side will look to fend off the Spanish Giants at home on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Arsenal looks to make a valiant comeback in Paris to advance.

Check out the latest Champions League schedule for May 6-7

Champions League schedule: Semifinal

Inter Milan vs. Barcelona

Embed: #113342

PSG vs. Arsenal

Embed: #113343

Go to full Champions League betting markets

Betting insights

Inter Milan and Barcelona wasted no time, scoring four goals combined before the half in a game that ended 3-3. Barca leads the UCL with 3.1 goals per match while Inter ranks tied for fewest goals allowed per match (0.6).

Luckily for the Italian side, the second leg in is Milan. Inter is undefeated at home in six Champions League fixtures (5-1-0) with a +10 goal differential.

Paris Saint-Germain looks to eliminate its third English squad in a row after going up 1-0 on aggregate over Arsenal. While the London side has what it takes to get a result in the second leg, things wont be any easier playing at Parc Des Princes.

PSG is unsurprisingly the favourite (+120) to win this competition as the only team holding a lead after the first leg of the semifinal.

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan Champions League semifinal SGP predictions April 30: Bet on Ferran Torres at +340

Barcelona and Inter Milan take part in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.

The pregame narrative: The Spanish club is coming off a big win at the Copa Del Rey final this past weekend and is the favourite to win this competition. I’ll take the Italian side to at least score a goal, though, mixed with the under and a prop pick on Ferran Torres in this +340 SGP.

Check out my Barcelona vs. Inter Milan SGP predictions for April 30.

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan predictions

Parlay: Under 3.5 goals | Inter Milan over 0.5 goals | Torres over 2.5 shots (+340)

Under 3.5 goals (-177): Inter is one of Europe’s top defensive clubs.

I Nerazzurri allows the fewest goals per game of any club in the Champions League (0.4).

That includes eight clean sheets as well as going under this total in 9 of their 11 matches.

For even more context, the club has given up just five goals across this entire competition.

Barcelona leads all UCL competitors with a whopping 3.1 goals per match, but I expect its opponent to take a risk-free approach for the first leg on the road.

Barca will be without top-scoring striker, Robert Lewandowski, for this leg. His absence should hinder the offence.

In six away matches for Inter, eight goals have been scored in total. Only two of those came from its opponents.

Go to full Champions League betting markets

Champions League SGP legs

Inter Milan over 0.5 goals (-235): A lot of that final statement can be applied to this leg as well. But let’s dive a little deeper.

As good as Barcelona is on offence, its defence can be a weakness. The club has allowed 17 goals, which is more than triple Inter’s five.

That includes conceding in eight of 12 UCL matches.

Barca has had a fairly easy route to this point, beating Portuguese side Benfica in the Round of 16 and then an underachieving Borussia Dortmund team in the quarterfinal.

This feels like a huge test for the Spanish Giants.

Torres over 2.5 shots (-148): I want to close out this SGP by taking advantage of Torres’ shots prop in his teammate’s absence.

As previously mentioned, Lewandowski will be sidelined for this match. Those are big shoes to fill for any replacement.

And Torres has played reserve minutes all season long, but he’s been effective when playing more than 70 minutes in a match.

In that scenario, across all competitions, he’s averaging 3.6 shots and is 6-2 against this line.

In his most recent performance against Real Madrid, the striker played 114 minutes in Lewandowski’s first game out. He cleared this line with four total shots.

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan predictions made at 11:26 a.m. on 04/29/25.

Champions League semifinal picks and predictions: Bet on PSG and Inter Milan

The first leg of the Champions League semifinal is this week, and I’ve got one bet from each game.

The pregame narrative: Arsenal host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, and the Parisians are seeking to eliminate a third English side. After that, offensive juggernaut Barcelona clashes with defensive stalwart Inter Milan.

Check out the best Champions League predictions for the quarterfinal second leg.

Champions League predictions

Best Bet: Barcelona under 1.5 goals (+130)

Fading Barcelona at home is a scary proposition, but if there was a time to do it, it’s now.

Hansi Flick’s side was dealt a major blow when Robert Lewandowski went down with an injury against Celta Vigo on April 19.

The Polish striker has scored 40 goals across all competitions for the club, and he will be impossible to replace in aggregate. Ferran Torres moved up into the starting role for Saturday’s Copa del Rey final and scored, but played 114 minutes after not playing a full 90 since February 6th.

I’m curious to see his — and the rest of the team’s — fitness levels with just three days of rest between these huge games.

Barca scored two regulation goals in El Clasico, but Real Madrid’s defence has been suspect all season. The same can’t be said about Inter Milan, which is arguably the best defensive side in Europe.

The Nerazzurri have allowed the fewest goals per game in the UCL (0.4).

They have held opponents to fewer than 1.5 goals in 39 of 51 games across all competitions (76.4%).

Inter Milan will be playing for a draw away from home, and I expect Simone Inzaghi’s side to park the bus in a low-event game.

Key stat: Inter Milan’s opponents have gone under 1.5 goals in 11 of 12 Champions League games (eight clean sheets).

Go to full Champions League betting markets.

Quick pick

PSG to win or tie (-143): Arsenal made minced meat of Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal, which was a shock to many, myself included.

The Gunners jumped out to a 3-0 lead at the Emirates in the opening leg and eventually won, 5-1, on aggregate. They’ll hope to do the same on Tuesday, but I have my doubts.

As mentioned earlier, Real Madrid has some fraudulent tendencies. The club had allowed the most xG of any team in the Champions League this year. PSG, meanwhile, has been one of the best teams in the tournament by several of FotMob’s metrics:

1st in match rating (7.26)
2nd in xG (30.4)
2nd in SOT/match (7.2)
3rd in possession (63.6)

The Parisians have only lost five matches across all competitions all season. Granted, two of those were on the road in the Champions League, but each came by just one goal.

I expect Luis Enrique’s side to secure a result.

Champions League predictions made at 2:30 p.m. on 04/27/25.

Champions League semifinal picks and predictions: Bet on PSG and Inter Milan

The first leg of the Champions League semifinal is this week, and I’ve got one bet from each game.

The pregame narrative: Arsenal host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, and the Parisians are seeking to eliminate a third English side. After that, offensive juggernaut Barcelona clashes with defensive stalwart Inter Milan.

Check out the best Champions League predictions for the quarterfinal second leg.

Champions League predictions

Best Bet: Barcelona under 1.5 goals (+125)

Fading Barcelona at home is a scary proposition, but if there was a time to do it, it’s now.

Hansi Flick’s side was dealt a major blow when Robert Lewandowski went down with an injury against Celta Vigo on April 19.

The Polish striker has scored 40 goals across all competitions for the club, and he will be impossible to replace in aggregate. Ferran Torres moved up into the starting role for Saturday’s Copa del Rey final and scored, but played 114 minutes after not playing a full 90 since February 6th.

I’m curious to see his — and the rest of the team’s — fitness levels with just three days of rest between these huge games.

Barca scored two regulation goals in El Clasico, but Real Madrid’s defence has been suspect all season. The same can’t be said about Inter Milan, which is arguably the best defensive side in Europe.

The Nerazzurri have allowed the fewest goals per game in the UCL (0.4).

They have held opponents to fewer than 1.5 goals in 39 of 51 games across all competitions (76.4%).

Inter Milan will be playing for a draw away from home, and I expect Simone Inzaghi’s side to park the bus in a low-event game.

Key stat: Inter Milan’s opponents have gone under 1.5 goals in 11 of 12 Champions League games (eight clean sheets).

Embed: #113071

Go to full Champions League betting markets.

Quick pick

PSG to win or tie (-136): Arsenal made minced meat of Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal, which was a shock to many, myself included.

The Gunners jumped out to a 3-0 lead at the Emirates in the opening leg and eventually won, 5-1, on aggregate. They’ll hope to do the same on Tuesday, but I have my doubts.

As mentioned earlier, Real Madrid has some fraudulent tendencies. The club had allowed the most xG of any team in the Champions League this year. PSG, meanwhile, has been one of the best teams in the tournament by several of FotMob’s metrics:

1st in match rating (7.26)
2nd in xG (30.4)
2nd in SOT/match (7.2)
3rd in possession (63.6)

The Parisians have only lost five matches across all competitions all season. Granted, two of those were on the road in the Champions League, but each came by just one goal.

I expect Luis Enrique’s side to secure a result.

Champions League predictions made at 2:30 p.m. on 04/27/25.