Get this weekend’s best football betting tips with match previews for the Championship, Community Shield, and Scottish Premiership. Punter-friendly insights inside.
The footy season is back, and you know what that means – weekend betting tips are in full swing once again. We’ve got an eclectic mix this time: early league showdowns, a Wembley curtain-raiser, and even a cracking horse race in the mix. It’s that glorious time when new signings are itching to impress and underdogs fancy their chances. Before we jump in, if you’re new to the game or just want a refresher, check out our ultimate sports betting guide for pointers. Now, let’s dive into the action with a cuppa in hand and a cheeky grin – we’ve some thrilling fixtures (and one race) to talk about.
Birmingham v Ipswich: Friday Night Fireworks?
Birmingham City welcome newly-promoted Ipswich Town under the lights at St. Andrew’s to kick off the Championship. Ipswich come in buzzing after back-to-back promotions – momentum is on their side and they won’t be shy. Birmingham, meanwhile, will want to impress the home fans (and a certain NFL legend now in their boardroom) with a strong start. Early-season matches can be chaotic as teams shake off the rust, so we might see a few defensive wobbles. Honestly, this opener could set the tone for both clubs – expect end-to-end action and maybe a goal or two.
- Tip: Back both teams to score (BTTS) – opening games often see goals as excitement trumps cautious tactics.
Southampton v Wrexham: Hollywood Story Meets Reality
Wrexham’s fairy-tale rise through the leagues meets its toughest chapter yet. After three straight promotions (yes, three!), the Hollywood-owned Dragons now visit St. Mary’s to test themselves against recently relegated Southampton. The Saints still boast Premier League-quality talent and will be determined to show they mean business in the Championship. Wrexham, backed by Ryan Reynolds and Co., have massive spirit – but do they have the depth to stun a side like Southampton away? You can bet the away fans will be singing, but class might tell over 90 minutes.
- Tip: Southampton to win and over 2.5 goals – the Saints’ firepower should shine through, though Wrexham’s fearless style could make it a high-scoring affair.
Sheffield Utd v Bristol City: Relegation Hangover?
Sheffield United are back in the second tier and desperate to prove they’re just visiting. After a bruising Premier League campaign, the Blades need to get the winning feeling back at Bramall Lane. Fans will expect a response and a fast start against Bristol City, but it’s not always straightforward – we’ve seen relegated sides stumble early before (the Championship doesn’t do anyone favors). Bristol City are a stubborn bunch who won’t roll over; they’ll be eyeing an upset while United adjust to being favorites again. This could be a tense one if the Blades play it safe to avoid any slip-up.
- Tip: Under 2.5 goals – expect a tighter game as Sheffield Utd focus on a solid start and Bristol City come to frustrate.
Rangers v Dundee FC: Saturday Night Roar at Ibrox
It’s an early season outing at Ibrox, and Rangers will be itching to put on a show for the home crowd. Newly promoted Dundee FC come into the lion’s den in Glasgow, and it could be a baptism of fire. Rangers know they can’t afford slip-ups if they want to keep pace with Celtic, so expect them to come out all guns blazing. Dundee will pack the defense and try to ride out the storm, but under the Saturday night lights, that Rangers attack will fancy filling their boots. The atmosphere alone might have Dundee on the back foot from the off.
- Tip: Rangers to win by 2+ goals – the gulf in class at Ibrox should translate to a comfortable home victory.
Crystal Palace v Liverpool: Wembley Curtain-Raiser
Who saw this coming a year ago? Crystal Palace, fresh off a fairytale FA Cup triumph, take on Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley. It’s Palace’s first-ever crack at this trophy, and you can bet they’ll be well up for it – their fans will turn the national stadium into a sea of red and blue. Liverpool, under new management, are the Premier League holders and used to occasions like these. Still, early season matches can be wild cards; players are finding fitness and managers might experiment a bit. Palace have nothing to lose and plenty of confidence, while Liverpool’s stars will want to make a statement that they’re still the team to beat.
- Tip: Both teams to score – the Wembley curtain-raiser often sees a few fireworks, and with attacking talent on both sides, neither defense is likely to have a quiet day.
Aberdeen v Celtic: Potential Pitfall for Champs?
A trip to Pittodrie is never a formality for Celtic. Aberdeen have a knack for making life uncomfortable for visiting Glasgow giants, and their crowd will be right on Celtic’s backs from the off. The Hoops, reigning Scottish champions, have the quality advantage for sure – but early in the season they might still be finding their rhythm under the new campaign’s pressures. Aberdeen will fancy their chances of at least nicking a goal, especially if Celtic show any signs of rust or complacency. It could turn into a gritty battle up north, and the champions might have to grind this one out.
- Tip: Celtic to win & both teams to score – Celtic’s class should prevail in the end, but Aberdeen can absolutely make them sweat with a goal of their own.
Leicester City v Sheffield Wednesday: Foxes Statement?
Leicester City begin life back in the Championship with a point to prove. Not long ago they were shocking the Premier League; now they’re expected to boss games like this. Relegation would have hurt the Foxes’ pride, and the King Power Stadium crowd will demand a flying start against a Sheffield Wednesday side thrilled just to be here. Wednesday’s promotion party is over and reality bites – an away day at one of the league’s strongest squads is a tough opener. Leicester have seen an exodus of big names but still carry plenty of firepower and experience. If they find their groove early, the newly promoted Owls could be chasing shadows for large spells.
- Tip: Leicester to win with a clean sheet – the Foxes’ quality at both ends should shine through, and Wednesday might struggle to break down a well-drilled Leicester back line.
That wraps up this week’s weekend football betting tips. Keep checking our Betting Tips page for fresh insights each week, or compare your options over at our bookmakers and bonuses pages before placing your punts. Here’s to a winning weekend!
