We’re back supplementing your betting needs for this weekend’s elite-level soccer fixtures across Europe’s top-flight leagues.
Continue reading our betting previews and soccer odds from the Spanish La Liga and the English Premier League fixtures involving Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest, Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid, and more.
Best Soccer Bets for the Weekend
- Arsenal -2 (-114) at Bet365
- Athletic Bilbao/Real Madrid Both Teams to Score (-145) at Caesars Sportsbook
Arsenal FC vs. Nottingham Forest
Sunday, August 12, 2023 – 07:30 AM EDT at Emirates Stadium
Arsenal FC
Following an impressive Community Shield success over their last season’s rivals for the EPL title, Manchester City, Mikel Arteta, and his Arsenal squad should enter the EPL matchday 1 schedule oozing confidence.
Arteta has had the pleasure of spending $250 million during the transfer window, as the arrival of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber have only strengthened an already dominant squad that achieved 14 victories on home soil last season from a possible 19.
Nottingham Forest
In contrast to their weekend opponents, Nottingham Forest battled relegation last term and were lucky to stay afloat in the shark-infested waters of the Premier League. More worryingly, the last time they visited the Emirates resulted in a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Arteta’s men.
Forest hasn’t had the monetary pleasure of signing the world’s best, and they finished last season with the worst domestic away record.
Premier League Matchday 1 Prediction, Odds, & Trends
The Premier League odds naturally favor last season’s EPL title runners-up. The Gunners have already made waves this summer by lifting the Community Shield, and alongside their new recruitments, this weekend’s season opener shouldn’t be close.
I expect Arsenal to dominate from start to finish, and although a -2 handicap presents greater value, we’ll side with the -1 for a safety blanket.
Score Prediction: Arsenal 4 – Nottingham Forest 0
Supporting Trends
- Arsenal won 14 of their 19 EPL home games last term.
- Nottingham Forest lost 5-0 in their most recent visit to the Emirates.
- Forest managed to earn a mere 8 points in their EPL away games last season.
Soccer Pick: Arsenal -2 (-114) at Bet365
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid
Saturday, August 12, 2023 – 03:30 PM EDT at San Mamés
Athletic Bilbao
The Basque outfits’ 2022/23 season saw them finish in eighth place and were just two points shy of reaching a European qualification position in La Liga.
Bilbao will undoubtedly be looking to collect one of those all-important Euro spots this season, but a winless streak of five games during their pre-season meetings doesn’t bode well.
The good news for their La Liga 2023/24 season opener is that Real Madrid has additionally been out of form, and they’ll own a home advantage over the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid
Los Blancos finished ten points behind the Spanish champions and their La Liga rivals Barcelona last term. The unfortunate season endured by Carlo Ancelotti’s men has seemingly transitioned to their pre-season outings, as Real Madrid lost to Barcelona and Juventus.
A run of questionable form toward the end of last season resulted in 3 defeats from their last 4 road games. And while they’re the rightful favorites this weekend, they haven’t delivered much confidence for bettors to make the money line.
La Liga Prediction, Odds, & Trends
The La Liga odds show value in both teams to score the market. Neither team has performed well during pre-season friendlies, and the last time these squads met on Bilbao turf, it ended in a 1-1 draw.
Score Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 2 – Real Madrid 2
Supporting Trends
- A scoreline of 1-1 was the result the last time these teams met at San Mames.
- Athletic Bilbao has conceded at least 1 goal in 9 consecutive La Liga games.
Soccer Pick: Both Teams to Score (-145) at Caesars Sportsbook
Extra Weekend Soccer Best Bets
AFC Bournemouth vs. West Ham United FC
Premier League – Saturday, August 12
- Both Teams to Score (-140) at Caesars Sportsbook
Real Sociedad vs. Girona FC
La Liga – Saturday, August 12
- Real Sociedad ML (-163) at Bet365
