Pre-season friendlies continue to roll on this weekend as clubs across the football world prepare for the upcoming campaign. At the same time, competitive action is set to get underway for some, with several teams set to begin their league seasons with opening fixtures across various divisions.
We highlight a mix of standout matches with 1UP tips for the weekend, the feature where we pay out when your team takes the lead! (odds at time of writing)
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Motherwell vs Rangers
Both of these teams will get their Scottish Premiership campaigns underway under the guidance of new managers compared to last term, with Stuart Kettlewell taking charge of Motherwell over summer while Russell Martin took charge at Rangers.
Rangers will be the favourites going into this clash given their stronger squad, but having fallen behind in three of Martin’s four matches in charge – despite going on to win one and draw three – we believe Motherwell will take the lead in this one.
Motherwell to win 1UP, 2.70 – Bet Here
Huddersfield Town vs Leyton Orient
Huddersfield Town had a disappointing 2024/25 League One season as they placed 10th, and they will be hoping to get off to a strong start to the campaign as they aim to fight for promotion this time around.
However, they will face a Leyton Orient side that finished sixth in the league last term and narrowly lost in the playoff final, leaving them desperate to secure promotion this season.
Given Leyton Orient’s much better last term, combined with their stronger defensive and attacking records, we believe the visitors will take the lead in this one.
Leyton Orient to win 1UP, 2.03 – Bet Here
Celtic vs St Mirren
Celtic have been the dominant force in Scottish football in recent years, including comfortably lifting last term’s Scottish Premiership title with a 17-point lead over second-placed Rangers, and they will now be aiming to lift their fifth consecutive league title this term.
The Bhoys will be overwhelming favourites to get off to a winning start in pursuit of that goal when they take on St Mirren, and we believe Brendan Rodgers’ men will race into an early lead.
Celtic to win 1UP, 1.07 – Bet Here
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Stockport vs Bolton
Stockport and Bolton both fought for playoff places and promotion from League Two last season, with Sunday’s hosts finishing third and losing in the playoff semi-finals, while the visitors placed eighth.
Both will now be aiming to secure promotion this season, and a win in this opening fixture could be a pivotal result come the end of the campaign given both are expected to be in the fight for the playoffs/automatic promotion places.
Bolton are in better form heading into this clash, having won all of their last five friendlies and conceding just two goals in that time, while Stockport have won one, lost one and drawn one of their three friendly outings.
With that contrast in form in mind, we believe Bolton will take the lead and go on to win this one.
Bolton to win 1UP, 2.09 – Bet Here
1 Comment
by Donesaviour
Nice one