Best Bets for August 17, 2024
The Premier League season kicks off in Ipswich
It’s a new season for the Premier League, and that means plenty of action available for Saturday. As much as I love baseball, it’s a hard sport to bet because of how the game can change based on the bullpen. Not that soccer’s easy, but there are a lot more options available on the craps table of sports betting.
As always, three new teams join the Premier League, with Leicester City, Southampton and Ipswich Town joining the top flight. Leicester famously won the title in 2015, while Southampton was also a Prem side as recently as 2022. Ipswich? The last time the Tractor Boys were in the Premier League, Ipswich’s George Francis was still doing this on Robot Wars.
The Best Of Chaos 2 - Robot Wars Series 3-4 - 1999-2000 - [035] - YouTube
Can they make something happen on Matchday 1? Let’s take a look. Here are my best bets for Saturday’s action.
Soccer
Ipswich Town vs. Liverpool
The Tractor Boys were really tough to beat at home last year, and they’ll have a spirited crowd behind them. Meanwhile, Liverpool is still adjusting to life after Jurgen Klopp. It’s going to take the Reds a few games to get used to him and his style, and that isn’t ideal against a hungry side with nothing to lose.
You usually don’t see this kind of value on a home side on a double chance. Everyone is taking a wait and see approach with Ipswich. There’s a good chance they at least split the points here.
Pick: Ipswich Double Chance (+240 at Caesars)
Newcastle vs. Southampton
Head-to-head means so much in soccer, and Newcastle has dominated this matchup as of late. The Magpies missed the Saints last year after Southampton’s relegation, but they’re back on the slate this season. And for the past few seasons, bettors have been able to rely on Newcastle and both teams to score here.
Southampton’s defense is seldom good, but the Saints do fight. However, they’re up against a mountain of resistance at St. James Park, where Newcastle lost just three times last year. Newcastle probably lets one in but rolls to a win.
Pick: Newcastle Win and Both Teams to Score (+120 at DraftKings)
MLB
Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Boy, did the Phillies get the opponent they needed. Washington has absorbed one beating after another at Philadelphia’s hand, losing seven straight at Citizens Bank Park and 17 of their past 20 trips to Philly.
The Phillies have regularly hammered the Nats in these games, and Washington isn’t exactly playing good baseball right now. Philadelphia should keep things rolling.
Pick: Phillies -1.5 (+102 at BetRivers)
Cleveland Guardians vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Freddy Peralta isn’t pitching all that well right now, and that isn’t what you want to see against Tanner Bibee. The Guardians wait teams out at the plate, which should take full advantage of Peralta’s issues with control.
With more to play for and better pitching, Cleveland should be the pick.
Pick: Guardians ML (-102 at DraftKings)
WNBA
New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces
This matchup could go one of two ways, given the turmoil in Las Vegas. After the Dearica Hamby lawsuit, either the Aces band together and give an inspired performance, or they collapse from hurt feelings and play flat. So I don’t want to touch the full game spread here.
But there is a trend I like: the Liberty have led at halftime in five of the past six meetings with the Aces. New York tends to start strong and finish strong, while Vegas starts slowly before hitting teams with a strong finish. I don’t intend to lose to that finish.
Pick: Liberty +1.5 First Half (-115 at Caesars)