Tips of the day

Ligue 1Void0:0

Saint EtienneNice

Why this pick: Saint-Étienne were one of the best home teams in Ligue 2 and have already shown how important the crowd factor is for them in big matches. They narrowly missed automatic promotion and now get a huge opportunity at home. Nice arrive in very poor form, with just one win in their last 10 matches and major defensive issues throughout the season. After the emotional Cup final, physical and mental fatigue could also be a factor here. Saint-Étienne may not need to win everything in the first leg, but avoiding defeat at home looks like the safer angle.

FriendliesWon2:0

NigeriaZimbabwe

Why this pick: Nigeria come into this friendly as clear favorites due to better squad quality and a much more reliable defensive structure. Their recent home matches have often been low-scoring, with tight control and few chances allowed. Zimbabwe have shown limited attacking threat against stronger African opponents and usually struggle away from home. Nigeria should control the game, while the visitors may focus on defending deep and limiting damage.

2. BundesligaLost2:0

SpVgg Greuther FürthRot-Weiß Essen

Why this pick: We don’t think Essen will be able to contain their opponent’s attack again. Greuther Fürth had more possession even away from home in the first match, but they may have underestimated the opponent and lacked sharpness in the final third. At the same time, Essen conceded 66 goals in 38 matches even in the 3. Bundesliga, which highlights their defensive weaknesses. The best option for this match looks to be both teams to score: the hosts will have to take more risks as favorites, but Essen have shown in the first game that they are capable of responding as well.

Premijer LigaLost1:0

Sloga DobojRudar Prijedor

Why this pick: Sloga Doboj will play against Rudar Prijedor. According to the bookmakers, the home team are favorites in this match. Here we are taking the away team’s individual total over 1 goal. This match will decide who stays in the top division next season, so the visitors need only a win here. The away side have also been very lively in attack in their last four league matches. In those four games, they managed to score 9 goals. At this odds, I’m willing to try this outcome. I expect them to score at least 1 goal against this opponent.

FriendliesWon5:0

MoroccoBurundi

Why this pick: Morocco come into this friendly in excellent form, unbeaten in more than 25 matches and consistently dominant against African opposition. Their defensive record is especially impressive, with very few goals conceded over a long stretch. Burundi have shown they can beat lower-level opponents, but against stronger sides the gap in quality becomes clear. Results against top African nations suggest they struggle to create enough chances and often spend long periods under pressure. Morocco should control the match from start to finish, and the quality difference points toward a comfortable home win.

Why this pick: Cleveland is trailing 0-3 in the series against the New York Knicks, and today could be the hosts' last game of the season. But honestly, we find it hard to believe that this team will get swept 0-4. Looking at the past games, things weren't so clear-cut. Cleveland theoretically could have won two of the three games played. Overall, we think they've deserved to get on the board in the series, at the very least