The opening weekend has come and gone in the Premier League, leaving a few broken hearts along the way.
Now other leagues join in with LaLiga and Serie A kicking off this weekend with teams looking to start on a solid foot. Mcebo Mpungose picks five games to keep an eye on this weekend in Tipping Point 13-14 August 2022.
Arsenal 11/20 | Draw 16/5 | Leicester City 5/1 (15:00) | Premier League – Tipping Point 13-14 August 2022
Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with an impressive 2-0 win against Crystal Palace last Friday.
What was impressive about this victory was how Mikel Arteta’s men were able to withstand the pressure exerted by Palace on them in the second half as they searched for an equalizer.
French defender, William Saliba, was named man of the match but the entire Arsenal defence, including their keeper, were on song.
Leicester only have themselves to blame for the result they got against Brentford after dropping a two-nil lead to draw 2-2. Leicester enjoyed more possession and created more chances.
Against Arsenal, they will look to do much of the same and they have better tools upfront than Crystal Palace so it should be an interesting watch.
Conclusion: After a strong pre-season and winning start away from home, Arsenal will go all out at home to prove to their fans how serious they are this season. I’m backing an Arsenal win.
Brentford 13/5 | Draw 5/2 | Manchester United EVS (17:30) | Premier League – Tipping Point 13-14 August 2022
The Bees will be happy with the point they earned away at the King Power Stadium in their opening game of the season.
Having lost Cristian Eriksen to Manchester United this summer, there was a worry that Brentford’s attack wouldn’t carry the same threat, but they proved they can punch above their weight again with the result against Leicester.
It must be remembered that Brentford got off to a great start last season too, without the Dane, and only needed him later in the season with games coming thick and fast, with a couple of players out due to injury.
This week Brentford announced the arrival of Mikkel Damsgaard, who will be looking to add some creativity to their midfield.
Manchester United got off to the worst possible start, losing at home to Brighton & Hove. The Erik ten Hag ‘new era’ looked more like the United of the last 3 years after a messy transfer window for the Red Devils where they’ve missed most of their main targets.
With that said, Man United did manage to win 3-1 away to Brentford last season, and should the players be up for it, they could cause the Bees a lot of issues.
Conclusion: I wouldn’t put too much faith in the Red Devils until they get their house in order, I’m backing a famous win for Brentford here.
Barcelona 1/5 | Daw 11/2 | Rayo Vallecano 13/1 (20:00) | LaLiga – Tipping Point 13-14 August 2022
Barcelona have spent much of the summer riling up a lot of clubs in Europe with their transfer business despite their financial troubles.
They have added great players such as Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde, but haven’t been able to register any of them due to LaLiga financial regulations and could start the season without them.
They face a Rayo Vallecano side that broke a lot of hearts at Old Trafford a few weeks ago in a club friendly.
Vallecano had a huge hand in Barcelona’s unsuccessful 2021/2022 season, taking a full six points from them, and will be looking to cause an upset again on Saturday.
They face a different animal altogether with Xavi getting a full pre-season with the club to properly assimilate his plans, and Barca has looked good.
Conclusion: I’m backing a Barcelona win with over 2.5 goals at 1/2
FC Kilmarnock 11/1 | Draw 5/1 | Celtic FC 19/100 (12:00) | Scottish Premiership – Tipping Point 13-14 August 2022
The Celts have gotten off to a good start in the Premiership, winning both of their first two games this season, setting the pace at the top of the table with their bitter rivals Rangers in the second spot.
All five goals scored so far have been scored by different scorers, proving the fluidity in Ange Postecoglou’s attacking tactics for the season.
They face a Kilmarnock side that is winless so far this season, that has only managed a point so far.
What will worry Kilmarnock fans is the fact that they only managed to win ten times last season and averaged just over a goal in each game.
This is the kind of form that saw them in a relegation battle and could be faced with the same if their form doesn’t change soon.
Celtic beat them twice and scored six against them over two games.
Conclusion: The away win is tipped confidently.
Salernitana 11/2 | Draw 7/2 | AS Roma 46/100 – Tipping Point 13-14 August 2022
Salernitana did well at the end of last season to avoid relegation after they looked destined for the drop to Serie B.
They kick their season off with a clash against ambitious Roma, who have heavily strengthened their team.
Jose Mourinho will be looking to finish inside the top four and at least win one domestic cup this campaign.
This game presents an excellent opportunity to measure the level of his side, who will also be playing in the Europa League this season.
Last season, Roma won twice against this side; I don’t see why they can’t achieve the same this season.
Conclusion: I’m backing a win for Roma with over 2.5 goals scored at 6/5
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