The 2024/25 season is well and truly underway, bringing excitement across all levels of the sport. This week, the action intensifies as the EFL Cup second round delivers some intriguing match-ups, while the UEFA Champions League play-off round reaches its decisive second legs, giving teams a final chance to battle for a place in the coveted league phase.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at a selection of matches from these two competitions and pick out our top tips and booking codes: (all odds 90 minutes only and available at time of writing)
Galatasaray vs Young Boys Bern
These two sides played out an extremely entertaining five-goal thriller in the first leg, with a late penalty earning Young Boys a vital lead to take into the away leg in Turkey.
Both sides appeared rather evenly matched throughout that game, with the possession being split 48%-52% in Galatasaray’s favour, with the Turkish side also taking 21 shots to Young Boys’ 16.
The defensive vulnerabilities of both sides were apparent in that game, and we expect plenty of goals in this one, but we ultimately expect Galatasaray will secure the victory at their home ground, where they are historically so strong in European competition, and advance into the league phase of the Champions League.
Galatasaray to qualify, 1.50
Salzburg vs Dynamo Kiev
Another tight match between two experienced European sides, Salzburg managed to take a 2-0 victory away from home in a hard-fought match between these two sides. The Austrian giants held 49% of the ball and took 16 shots to Dynamo Kiev’s 13, but ultimately came out on top thanks to goals from Nene Dorgeles and Maurits Kjaergaard.
With the hosts of the second leg already two goals up, Dynamo Kiev will have to put an emphasis on attacking to try and get back into the game, but that will leave plenty of opportunity for Salzburg to counter, leading us to believe the hosts will win this one.
Salzburg to win by 1 goal, 3.30
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crawley Town
Brighton have enjoyed an excellent start to the 2024/25 season under new boss Fabian Hurzeler, with the 31-year-old manager leading his side to a dominant 3-0 victory against Everton in the opening game for narrowly beating Manchester United 2-1 thanks to a last-minute Joao Pedro winner.
Their next game will put them up against local-rivals Crawley, who have started their League One season with two wins and a loss from three league matches and two wins across the EFL Cup and EFL Trophy.
While Crawley are likely to be fired up as they face their local-rivals, Brighton possess much more quality in their team and have enjoyed a brilliant opening to the new campaign, suggesting the hosts will comfortably win tonight.
Brighton & Hove Albion to by more than 2 goals, 2.06
Crystal Palace vs Norwich City
After a phenomenal end to the 2023/24 season under Oliver Glasner, winning six of their final seven Premier League matches, a lot was anticipated from this Crystal Palace side this season. However, Palace have had a dreadful start to the new term, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brentford on the opening day and a 2-0 loss to West Ham United on matchday two.
Yet to record even a draw, Glasner will be desperate for his side to record their first positive result of the season when they face Norwich in the EFL Cup, a side that have also struggled to kickstart the new campaign.
Norwich have won just one of their opening four matches across all competitions, this being in the first round of the EFL Cup against Stevenage, while they have lost one and drawn two of their three Championship fixtures.
With both teams coming into this game in bad form, we expect a fairly even game with both attempting to avoid defeat as much as they push for a win, but we ultimately expect Crystal Palace’s talent will shine through and lead them to victory.
Crystal Palace to win & over 2.5 goals, 1.83
Best Booking Codes:
Odds 18.2 – 6YQWQ33
UCL – 6YQWRDG
EFL Cup – 6YQWTD6
