When: 18:45
Where: UEFA Champions League

Atalanta Bergamo
Atalanta starts the Serie A season with a solid performance after the heavy defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Ivan Juric's team shows offensive strength, especially thanks to returnees like Ederson and Ademola Lookman, who provide more options in attack. Despite a vulnerable defense and several injured players, the team remains dangerous at their home Gewiss Stadium.

Club Brugge
Brugge has so far presented themselves strongly in the Champions League with successes in the qualifiers and a clear victory against Monaco. In the Belgian championship race, they are third, but maintain their high effectiveness in attack. Key players like Nicolo Trezoldi and Hans Vanaken are in good form. Injuries to the goalkeeper and defensive midfield could slightly affect stability.

Injuries
Atalanta has to do without Scalcini, Hien, Dzalewski, Scamacca, Kolasinac, and Bakker, while Ederson and Lookman are available again. Brugge is missing goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika, leading to Niki Jackers stepping into goal.

Direct Encounters
Earlier this year, Brugge defeated Atalanta in both encounters, 3-1 away and 2-1 at home, marking their first success against an Italian team after a long dry spell. These games are the most important reference point for the upcoming encounter.

Match Prediction
Both teams have offensive capabilities and are vulnerable defensively, making a high-scoring game likely. Atalanta will be looking for revenge at home and will play actively with fan support and new offensive options. Brugge, who set efficient counterattacks, is however a tough opponent. Due to home strength and motivation, the stronger chance for a direct win lies with Atalanta, which is why betting on an Atalanta Bergamo win with odds of 1.88 is recommended.

My Tip: Atalanta Bergamo win (1.88)

When: 20:30
Where: Italy. Serie B

Palermo
Palermo currently stands in 2nd place in the table with 11 points from five games. The team shows a very stable performance with three wins, two draws, and no losses. Especially the defense is remarkably strong with only two goals conceded. The tactic is based on a 4-3-3 system, focusing on ball possession and control in midfield. However, the injured goalkeeper Alfred Gomis, an important key player, is missing, which could make the defense more vulnerable. Despite recent minor concentration issues, Palermo remains a very experienced and structured team that wants to perform strongly at home.

Venezia
Venezia occupies 11th place in the table and comes with a mix of two wins, two draws, and one loss. The team plays openly and offensively, utilizes quick transitions, and brings a lot of dynamism into the game. The 3-5-2 playing style provides a dense midfield and broad attacking options via the wings. Despite significant absences, including suspensions and long-term injuries, Venezia has strong fighting spirit and has impressed in recent direct matches against Palermo. The team is known for causing surprises especially away from home.

Injuries
Palermo has to do without goalkeeper Alfred Gomis, who is out with a forearm injury until early December. This significantly weakens the defense. Venezia also has important absences: Alfred Duncan is suspended until early October, and defender Giorgio Altare is out with a cruciate ligament injury until January 2026. This personnel situation presents challenges for both teams, especially regarding defensive stability.

Head-to-Head
The last five matches show an interesting statistic: Venezia won three of these encounters, including two successes this year against Palermo, most recently a 2-1 home win and an impressive 3-0 away result. These results give Venezia a psychological advantage as they often appear as a tough opponent for Palermo, which struggles with its playing style against the tactically smart and fast Venetians.

Match Forecast
Although Palermo is considered the table leader and favorite, the history of direct encounters as well as the absence of the first-choice goalkeeper indicate a difficult match for the home team. Venezia will play boldly and look for chances with quick counter-attacks. Both teams have good offensive qualities and have already scored goals this season. Considering Venezia's open style of play and the injury-related weakness in Palermo's defense, it is very likely that both teams will score. The bet "Both teams to score: Yes" with an attractive odds of 1.65 represents a very sensible recommendation.

My tip: Both teams to score: Yes (1.65)

When: 20:45
Where: English Championship

Blackburn
Blackburn Rovers are currently in 20th place in the table with only 6 points from 6 games. The defense appears unstable and vulnerable, especially the back line, which often looks like Swiss cheese and reacts weakly on counterattacks. Although the team has shown occasional highlights offensively, such as the 3-0 win against Hull City, overall there is a lack of penetration and precision in finishing. The team often does not pursue an open style of play, reflected in only 40% of matches where both teams scored. The recent games show variability, with wins and losses alternating and no draws in the last 10 encounters.

Swansea City
Swansea City is in 13th place with 9 points and presents themselves as more stable and structured overall. With a balanced record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and only one loss in the last five games, they demonstrate a more consistent form. The team mostly operates in a 4-2-3-1 system, providing solid defensive balance and controlled buildup through short passes. Their performances on both halves of the pitch allow Swansea to create chances while conceding fewer goals. With 60% of games where both teams score and 30% of matches with over 2.5 goals, they tend toward pragmatic but purposeful football.

Injuries
Blackburn has no injured or suspended players, so the starting lineup can likely be fully fielded. Swansea City is missing Ricardo Santos long-term due to an unknown injury, which limits squad depth but probably does not significantly affect the tactical setup.

Head-to-Head
The direct history between Blackburn and Swansea shows a balanced picture with a close distribution of wins and no draws in the last five matches. Most of these games ended very narrowly with 1-0 or 0-1 results, indicating tightly contested duels with few goals. Only two of the last meetings exceeded the 2.5 goals mark, suggesting cautious and tactically shaped matches.

Match Prediction
For the encounter between Blackburn and Swansea City, much suggests the match will remain tight. Blackburn shows defensive weaknesses and is vulnerable against strong, compact opponents. Swansea impresses with better organization and stability, even if they do not always capitalize perfectly on their chances. Bookmakers slightly favor Blackburn due to home advantage, but the recent form and tactical discipline speak in favor of Swansea. The double chance bet on Blackburn offers an attractive safety with odds of 1.38 since Blackburn, despite all problems, rarely draws at home and at least does not lose. The match promises an intense and combative contest without a clear goal spectacle.

My tip: Double Chance Blackburn (1.38)

When: 20:45
Where: England Championship Cup

Leicester City
Leicester City is currently in 5th place in the Championship with 12 points. The form is solid, but not outstanding – in the last five games, they have recorded two wins and three draws. Notably, there are three consecutive draws indicating difficulties in the offense and somewhat lacking punch. Leicester often controls the ball, but the final decisiveness in front of the goal is missing. The defense appears solid but not impenetrable, which could cause problems given the expected rotation in the cup match.

Wrexham
Wrexham is the surprise team from League Two and currently occupies 16th place with 8 points. The team plays boldly and offensively, which is also evident in the cup, where they have already defeated higher-league teams like Norwich City and Millwall. They are characterized by fast attacks and many goals, but also show a vulnerable defense. Their games are often high-scoring and exciting, making them an unpleasant opponent.

Injuries
Currently, there are no known injuries or suspensions for either team, so optimal or nearly optimal line-ups are expected. However, rotation is likely in the cup, which could affect Leicester's stability.

Head-to-Head
There are no recent direct encounters between Leicester City and Wrexham, so this duel represents a new chapter in the history of both teams.

Match Prediction
Leicester City is the clear favorite, playing at home and having more quality and experience. Nevertheless, recent performances suggest the Foxes are not in top form. Wrexham will play as a brave underdog who has already caused surprises in the cup and continues to play aggressively and offensively. Due to the magic of the cup, expected rotation at Leicester, and the offensive style of both teams, we anticipate a varied game with multiple goals. The odds of 1.70 on a Leicester City win are attractive given the circumstances. Therefore, we recommend this bet.

My tip: Leicester City win (1.70)

When: 20:45
Where: England Championship

Sheffield United
Sheffield United currently sits at the bottom of the table with only 3 points from 7 games and a goal difference of 2:13. The team shows great weaknesses in attack, hardly creating any chances, and the defense appears vulnerable and unfocused. The recently chosen defensive tactic with three center backs could not compensate for the deficits. Even the home crowd fails to stabilize the team; instead, the pressure weighs heavily on the players. The statistics from recent games offer little hope: 20% wins and 80% losses with an average of only 0.9 goals per game tell a clear story.

Southampton
Southampton ranks 19th with 7 points and a goal difference of 8:10. Despite some defensive weaknesses, the team shows a significantly better offensive quality than Sheffield United. With frequently used systems like 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, Southampton tends to play more controlled football and tries to build pressure through quick wing attacks. Although the results are not always stable, they often dominate and create chances, but often lack the necessary composure to decide the match. Defensive uncertainties are evident, but overall the form is less alarming than Sheffield's.

Injuries
Sheffield United has to do without Jamie Shackleton (injured until at least 15.12.2024), which further strains the already thin squad. Southampton is missing Welington long-term due to an ankle injury, but this absence is not considered critical for the starting lineup.

Head-to-Head
In recent direct encounters, Southampton clearly dominated: in the three matches between 2020 and 2021, Southampton achieved clear victories each time (0:2, 3:0, 3:1). This history confirms the psychological advantage of the guests, who have always posed major problems for Sheffield United.

Match Prediction
Given Sheffield United's deep crisis and Southampton's comparatively more stable performance, a win for the visitors seems very likely. Sheffield struggles at home to create chances and is under enormous pressure. Southampton, on the other hand, has more offensive and tactical potential to control the game and secure at least one point. The double chance on Sheffield United offers some security due to their more defensive approach and home strength, yet the odds at 1.43 are attractive. It will be a match in which Sheffield will at least want not to lose, backed by their home crowd. Therefore, the bet on the Double Chance Sheffield United is a good hedge against a possible surprise and value at these odds.

My tip: Double Chance Sheffield United (1.43)

When: 21:00
Where: UEFA Champions League Group Stage

Chelsea
The English club is currently going through a difficult phase. In the last five games, they have only managed one win while suffering three defeats. Particularly painful was the 1-3 loss against Brighton, where a red card weakened the team defensively. Nevertheless, Chelsea has an impressive home streak in the Champions League and has remained unbeaten at home since 2019. This match is important for the Londoners to boost confidence and keep their chances of reaching the knockout stage alive.

Benfica
The Portuguese side started their European campaign with a surprising 2-3 loss against Qarabag despite leading 2-0. This led to a coaching change with José Mourinho taking over the team. Under him, Benfica has already played three league matches, securing two wins and one draw. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis is in good form, having scored seven goals in all competitions, including a brace in the last game. However, English teams have recently failed to beat Benfica in European competitions seven times, which makes the trip to London even more challenging.

Injuries
Chelsea must do without several players, including Palmer (groin), Colwill (knee), Delap (hip), Essugu (hip), Adarabioyo (calf), Fofana (head), and Mkhitaryan (suspension). Chalobah, who is suspended in the league, is eligible to play. Possible changes in defense include the deployment of Badiashile and Gusto; in attack, Lavija and Garnacho might start. Benfica are missing Mannu Silva and Alexander Bach due to cruciate ligament injuries, additionally Bruma is injured until 2026, and Prestiani is active at the U-20 World Cup.

Head-to-head encounters
Chelsea leads the head-to-head record against Benfica. In three official matches, the English side has won them all, including the 2013 Europa League final. In European competitions, Benfica has not won in seven encounters against English clubs. The trip to London is traditionally difficult for Benfica.

Match prediction
Despite recent setbacks, Chelsea remain confident at Stamford Bridge and have squad depth to compensate for absences. Enzo Maresca’s team will show high work rate and active pressing football, supported by fast wing players. Benfica can rely on Mourinho’s experience and Pavlidis’ goal threat, but defensive weaknesses and limited offensive options could be decisive. With controlled defense and efficient offense, the hosts should maintain the upper hand. We expect a close win for Chelsea, e.g., 2-1.

My tip: Chelsea win (1.63)