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Football | Monday, October 31, 2022 12:23 PM (Revised at: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 9:05 AM)

Early Bird Weekend Best Bets November 1st-6th: 5 Early Picks for this Week

Early Bird Weekend Best Bets November 1st-6th: 5 Early Picks for this Week
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Early Bird Best Bets: November 1st-6th

We’ve got five selections instead of three for this week’s Early Bird article – a change in tact that will likely continue in the coming weeks and months to come. Our focus here settles on European competition from the Champions League to the Europa Conference League, with a jaunt to Serie A and Ligue 1.

In this article:


Rangers vs Ajax Preview

Europe, Champions League, Tuesday, November 1st, 20:00 (UK)

Amsterdam’s best are almost guaranteed Europa League football via a 3rd-place finish in their Champions League group. But, by their tall standards, it’s undoubtedly a campaign to forget. Three points would take Rangers level with Ajax in the final group game, though the rules of the competition then turn to head-to-head performance. In the reverse tie, Ajax put Rangers to the sword to the tune of 4-0 in Amsterdam.

So, for Ajax to miss out on Europa League football, Rangers would need to win by a five-goal margin. It’s not happening. Even the most ardent Gers fan will tell you that, making this somewhat of a dead rubber for both.

Interestingly, though, this is a big game in the eyes of either coach. Both are seen to be underperforming in either dugout, and both will be intent on putting in a performance and clinching a result to boot. Rangers have lost all five Champions League matches this term, conceding 19 goals and recording a solitary strike. With just three points, which came against Rangers, Ajax have let in 16 goals, scoring eight in reply. The Dutch’s record is a little more appealing to the eye, but for a new coach in Amsterdam navigating his Ajax side through Europe for the first time, that’s nowhere near good enough, and Alfred Schreuder will be well aware.

Last time out against Liverpool, Ajax were their own worst enemy. Failing to be clinical enough in the first half saw them coast into the break at 0-0. However, on another day, Jurgen’s Reds could’ve been hit for two or three quite easily. If Rangers bear witness to that kind of start from this Ajax team, the Glaswegians could easily be blown away, as they have been in more often than not in this year’s competition.

Rangers vs Ajax Best Bet

If Ajax works a lead in the game, it’s difficult to see Rangers causing an abundance of problems for the visitors. The 3.2xG in five games doesn’t scream of a side creating an abundance of high-quality opportunities at this level. Only Copenhagen and Viktoria Plzeñ rank below Rangers in the expected goals metric this term.

In addition to the above, Ajax were granted the weekend off in the Netherlands. So, while Rangers were slogging towards a 4-1 Aberdeen win at Ibrox, Ajax had their feet up. That’s six days’ worth of rest since the Liverpool clash and nearly a week to work on what is necessary on the training pitch. However, Rangers put in what was arguably their best performance of the season – a much-needed boost to morale ahead of Tuesday night.

If you’re after bet365’s Early Payout, the 1.85 is something worth considering. That’s where I’ll be hanging my hat.

  • Selection: Ajax Win (TRACKED BET)
  • Best Odds: 1.94 (SBK)
  • Stakes: 10/10

More Rangers vs Ajax Tips


Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan Preview

Europe, Champions League, Tuesday, November 1st, 20:00 (UK)

It’s the final match day of what has been an intriguing Group C. In Milan, Bayern showcased their superior qualities on match day one and ran out 0-2 winners. Since then, Inter have impressed, most notably in both matches versus Barcelona, claiming three points at home and holding the Spaniard to a 3-3 draw in Catalonia.

There’s nothing on the line here in terms of qualification. Barcelona can’t catch Inter, and Bayern are the runaway group winners on 15 points. The lay of the land suggests that this is not a game that either side will be intently trying to win, given the compact footballing schedule across Europe. That thought process feeds into the Under 5 Goals angle, hoping Bayern don’t run riot.

Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan Best Bet

Inter face Juventus away from home on Sunday, whilst Bayern travels to Hertha Berlin at 14:30 on Saturday. Both domestic matches should be a priority for either coach, given their position in Group C. I expect Bayern and Inter to ring the changes; if they do, a Bavarian second string should outdo the Italians.

If Bayern Munich maintain their 100% record through the group phase, it will be the third time the Germans mustered a Champions League return of 18 points.

  • Selection: Bayern Win and U5 Goals (TRACKED BET)
  • Best Odds: 2.05 (bet365)
  • Stakes: 10/10

More Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan Tips


Sheriff Tiraspol vs Omonia Nicosia Preview

Europe, Europa League, Thursday, November 3rd, 17:45 (UK)

The landscape in Manchester United’s Europa League Group is hotly contested. The Red Devils sit three points off Real Sociedad, with the Spaniards hosting United on Thursday to decide the group. With the Europa League also settled on head-to-head results, Erik ten Haag’s United will need to win by two goals to progress.

The same can be said for the battle for a Europa League Conference place in Group E. Omonia Nicosia occupies 4th place. However, a herculean effort will grant them passage to a continuing European schedule this term. In the reverse fixture against Sheriff Tiraspol on Group E’s opening night, the Moldovan champions went to Cyprus and won 0-3. Now, the Cypriots head to Moldova hoping to produce a victory propped up by a four-goal deficit.

Of course, it’s improbable, but what’s football without hope? Well, in this case, it’s not hope we’ll be siding with. Instead, the price of the hosts to have too much for the travelling Cypriots has caught the eye. At just shy of evens for a team that wiped the floor with their opponents on matchday one, it appears good value.

Granted, it’s a fixture approaching the realms of a dead rubber. Yet, despite being nowhere near good enough to compete with the likes of La Real and Manchester United, Sheriff have certainly got Omonia Nicosia’s number. In the previous meeting, Omonia had most of the possession (60%-40%) whilst attempting to get back into the game, but they could only muster one shot on target from nine attempts. On the other hand, Sheriff proved clinical – hitting a trio of goals from four shots on target.

Sheriff Tiraspol vs Omonia Nicosia Best Bet

What should also be highlighted is the current declining form of Omonia as they seemingly struggle to cope with the pressures of juggling a domestic schedule and European football. Since kicking off the season in the Cypriot top-flight, they’ve lost 10/13 matches. It’s a run of form that this week cost manager Neil Lennon his job. The three victories in the league from eight games stand them in 11th, five points off Akritas (14th) in last place.

This is European competition, and it’ll mean everything to the club and its history, so don’t expect Omonia Nicosia to roll over here. Yet, whilst in a rut and with one eye on the domestic campaign, Lennon may be inclined to prioritise league football with any yearnings in the Europa League all but diminished.

In comparison, Sheriff are top of Moldova’s Super Liga with nine wins from 13, conceding just six goals in the process.

  • Selection: Sheriff Win (TRACKED BET)
  • Best Odds: 1.95 (bet365)
  • Stakes: 15/10

More Sheriff Tiraspol vs Omonia Nicosia Tips


Troyes vs Auxerre Preview

France, Ligue 1, Friday, November 4th, 20:00 (UK)

Friday night football in France brings us Troyes vs Auxerre, as the hosts seek a bounce back from a disappointing 4-3 loss to Paris Saint Germain at the weekend. The fact that little old Troyes left Paris with a sense they could have vacated with a share of the spoils tells you all you need to know about the impressive performance in the capital.

Mama Baldé got his second of the game in the 52nd minute as PSG were pegged back to 1-2 in their backyard. A quickfire double in ten minutes from Neymar and Messi had its say on proceedings before Mbappé converted from the spot. Ante Palaversa hit Troyes’ third of the game in the 88th minute, keeping eyes glued on PSG’s match for the final moments.

The three goals scored against the Qatari-backed mega club make it 8/13 matches this season, where Troyes have scored multiple goals. That’s the fifth-highest return in Ligue 1, seeing 2+ Troyes goals return profits more so than Marseille (7/13), Lille (6/13) and Lyon (6/13).

Troyes vs Auxerre Best Bet

Well, on Friday, Auxerre comes to town. Unfortunately for travelling support, five of Auxerre’s six away matches have witnessed the Burgundy club concede two or more goals. Auxerre’s away form is the worst in Ligue 1, with three points and a 2.66 goals conceded per90 average.

With 5/6 of Troyes’ recent league fixtures overseeing the proposed bet quite comfortably, 2.00 seems like a price to take against an Auxerre side flittering just above the relegation zone after 13 games.

  • Selection: Troyes 2+ Goals (TRACKED BET)
  • Best Odds: 2.00 (Paddy Power)
  • Stakes: 10/10

More Troyes vs Auxerre Tips


Juventus vs Inter Milan Preview

Italy, Serie A, Sunday, November 6th, 19:45 (UK)

One of Serie A’s biggest games of the weekend is left until last, as Inter Milan heads to Turin with a game plan to pick apart the Old Lady. Juventus’ troubles are well documented, as have Inter’s been, though Allegri has managed to oversee three Serie A victories on the bounce going into the Inter Milan match-up.

For Inter, pre-Barcelona, inconsistencies crept into camp and wreaked havoc. However, since the 1-0 win over the Spaniards, Inter have won 6/7 matches in all competitions, drawing the other 3-3 in Spain.

Inter are unbeaten in four against Juventus, winning on three outings. Going back a little further, it’s clear that this fixture isn’t one filled with goals. Only 2/10 matches have produced more than four goals, locking in the Under 4 Goals selection.

Juventus vs Inter Milan Best Bet

The likelihood of a nervy affair, with both sides keen not to lose first and foremost, should, in theory, see periods of sparring in the first half without laying much of a glove on the other.

With Romelu Lukaku available for selection, Inter should have even more confidence to leave Turin with something to brag about.

  • Selection: Inter or Draw & U3.5 Goals
  • Best Odds: 1.83 (bet365)
  • Stakes: 7.5/10

Best odds available as at 09:00 October 31st 2022. Odds may now differ.

More Juventus vs Inter Milan Tips


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