Welcome Back! On the eve of my birthday, I return. And not just any old return, I come bearing gifts.

It’s been 10 long months without sharing my predictions on this platform. I have missed it and I know you’ve missed it too. The feeling of anticipation, anxiety and joy when your list of predictions or ballsy bet “clicks”. Not forgetting the disappointment that comes with the “near” wins. That one sef dey.

But as a punter and as we like to say, “we go again”! The higher the risk, the higher the pay. I like the thrill of risks and the pride that comes with a winning bet!

Now back to the main event and may the odds be in our favour!

Chelsea v Wolves

If you’ve been following me on different platforms, you’ll know I am a Chelsea fan. I resume with this game for the purpose of starting from “home”.

Chelsea have had a mixed start to the season, not good enough by their standards. They are obviously still going through the transition effects of change in ownership, management and even on-field personnel. It’s all come cooking at once. Like when you throw in all the ingredients in the pot at once, some will cook before others. Chelsea hasn’t “cooked” well with the ownership, management (so far) and playing personnel.

There is potential in there if their midweek champions league game against AC Milan is anything to go by. The Blues looked assured and controlled the game against the Italian side who have largely had an unimpressive start to the season by their recent standards.

Chelsea looked way better than what they’ve been.

With most of their players back and fit, Graham Potter, has more options to choose from and maybe we can begin to have an insight into how he intends his team to be. Although you can’t really be sure if how his team will play even after seeing the line up, one thing is certain, flair and push for goals will be expected.

Against a visiting Wolves side who have massively underperformed and are third from the bottom with six point after eight games – one win, three draws, four loses, and nine goals conceded, Chelsea will be going into this one with confidence.

Although the last two games between them have ended in draws, the Blues are in need of every point they can get as they strive to climb their way up the table and into the top four.

On the down side for the home side, while Wolves have conceded nine times, they (Chelsea) have let in a whooping ten goals. Meaning they are susceptible to conceding.  I expect the Blues to win but I’ll stake on goals.

Tip: Goal difference 1 @ 2.48 odds

Score prediction: 2:1 @ 8.70 odds

Brighton v Tottenham Hotspur

Brighton have continued to be the surprise team of the league after eight matches and sit in fourth place behind their visitors. Three points separate both teams hence this game is more of a six pointer.

Brighton have continued to perform even after losing their manager, Graham Potter, to Chelsea. They have lots of goals in them and earned the 3-3 draw at Liverpool last weekend. The week before they banged in five goals in a 5-2 victory against Leicester City. It can go bad quickly for Spurs.

The North Londoners have staggered in the past five games where they have registered two victories (including a 6-2 victory against Leicester), two losses and a draw. They are not in a bragging position and will be really weary of a solid Brighton side that can defend as much as they can score with 14 for and 8 against.

Head-to-head gives Spurs the overwhelming advantage but Brighton are a different animal from previous seasons.

With the start, stats and home advantage, I’ll bank on Brighton to win or lose this one it’s heir game to lose.

Tip: Home win or draw @ 1.51 odds

Score prediction: 2:0 @ 14.50 odds

AC Milan v Juventus

Two traditional Italian teams that are struggling to show their best will meet on Matchday 9 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan.

While Milan will be coming off the back of a demoralizing 3-0 loss at Chelsea, Juventus will be coming from a better place having defeated Israeli side, Maccabi Haifa, 3-1 at the Allianz Stadium.

Two goals from Rabiot ensured the home side came out with three points. However, it’s worth knowing that the quality of the opposition can not be compared to AC Milan who are reigning champions.

Juventus have an overwhelming H2H advantage. However, when it comes to these games of pride and especially when the points matter so much, it could go either way. I fancy a home victory.

Milan has proven to be potent so far with an average of two goals per game in eight that have been played thus far. Juve on the other had have done a decent job of conversing just five times in that time while scoring 12 times. Italy is known for its defensive prowess too.

I’m not categorically sure who will score but I expect it to be a low scoring affair.

Tip: NG @ 1.84

Getafe v Real Madrid

This is a booster.

It’s almost impossible to see Real Madrid getting anything other than a victory against a 14th placed average.

Madrid have maintained their high scoring reputation and are second, one behind Barcelona, in the highest scoring rank as well as position in the log.

Carlo Ancelotti has an almost totally fit squad to pick from as well. They have won six out of seven and are yet to lose a single game since the 1-0 loss to Barcelona in a pre-season friendly in July. They have drawn twice since then.

Tip: 2&O1.5 @ 1.60 odds

Manchester City v Southampton

8 games, 29 goals. Fgs!

I pity Southampton.

Another boaster.

Tip: FH O1.5 @ 2.10 odds

Arsenal v Liverpool

This is my advised single stake for the weekend. Who would have though Arsenal will stand a chance against Liverpool? Not even until the start of this season would anybody except “delusional” Arsenal fans would have tried to argue over a chance against the Reds. Yet here we are, living in an Arsenal of Delusion as our reality.

The Gunners are sitting pretty at the top of the table even ahead of lightening Manchester City.  Liverpool are 11 points behind in 9th place.

I have been proud of not just their performances and results but their mentality and the grit we now see in the squad. Arteta has recruited nicely.

Stake your bet on Arsenal this weekend. If that option exists, stake on them to play better football as well. Liverpool are a skeleton of themselves without Saido Mane.

Tip: 2 @ 2.54 odds

Everton v Manchester United

I’m pitching my tent with Manchester United here. As bad as they may seem, I expect them to come out of Goodison Park with all three points. Everton are suffering injuries to some of their key senior players.

However, I’ll play it safe.

Tip: x2 @ 1.30 odds

Atletico v Girona

Atletico have been quiet for the most of this season and will be looking to break into the top four especially as all teams try to secure as much points as possible before the World Cup break.

Expect a controlled victory for Atletico.

Tip: 1 @1.49 odds

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Note: Always stake what you can afford to lose. Good luck!