With the likes of La Liga and the Premier League getting back underway on Friday night, many of Europe’s elite will take centre stage.
On that note, for those of you looking to place a Friday flutter, we have found a pair of fixtures that are worth keeping an eye out for.
19:45 Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United
Eventually opening up the 2023/24 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 loss away at title contenders Arsenal, there is no doubt that Nottingham Forest will be excited by the prospect of making a return to the City Ground here. Firmly at the heart of a relegation scrap last season following their Premier League return, Friday’s hosts are looking to produce a far more stable charge this time around.
While Steve Cooper’s men might have failed to find much of a summer boost during their pre-season preparations, the one-time European champions certainly gained a reputation for their rugged performances on home soil.
In fact, on a hometown flurry that is highlighted by a stunning 1-0 victory against the Gunners back on May 20th, it should be noted that Forest won each of their final four Premier League appearances at the City Ground.
Notching eight strikes on that three-match winning run in front of their own supporters, the ex-Swansea boss also saw his side suffer just a pair of defeats from their final nine showdowns in Nottingham.
On the flip side, although Sheffield United might have impressed many as they stormed their way to a Premier League return last season, Paul Heckingbottom’s men are facing a real challenge this time around.
Opening up the 2023/24 campaign with a toothless 1-0 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace, the Blades also lost three of their final four Championship away fixtures last season.
Without a win from any of their last four meetings across all competitions, we are backing a home victory at the City Ground.
Betting Tip: Nottingham Forest win @ 1/1 with Pribet
20:30 Valencia vs Las Palmas
Only just clinging to their La Liga status last season and coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, it is no secret that Valencia are seeking some much-needed stability this time around. However, although the Bats might still be dealing with some public issues behind the scenes, Friday’s hosts certainly opened the 2023/24 campaign with a major statement last weekend.
Putting in a stunning performance on the road as they claimed an eye-catching 2-1 win away at reigning Europa League champions Sevilla, Ruben Baraja’s men will be smelling the chance to make another statement here.
Although the Whites might have found themselves at the heart of an infamous relegation scrap last season, Valencia will take plenty of positives away from their continued success at the Mestalla.
In fact, on a hometown flurry that is highlighted by a famous 1-0 win against Spanish icons Real Madrid on May 21st, Baraja’s side lost just one of their final eight domestic showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems all the way back to February 11th.
On the flip side, while Las Palmas might have made their La Liga return this season, the Pirates are already tipped as a leading contender to be at the centre of a bottom-three scrap.
Despite marking their top-flight return with a hard-fought 1-1 stalemate at home against Mallorca, Friday’s guests will know that they face a stern challenge here.
It should be highlighted, suffering a woeful 4-0 drumming when they travelled to the Mestalla for a Copa del Rey battles back in January 2018, we are expecting a similar home victory this weekend.
Betting Tip: Valencia win & Under 4.5 goals @ 1/1 with Luckster
Friday’s Daily Double
- Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United – Nottingham Forest win @ 1/1
- Valencia vs Las Palmas – Valencia win & Under 4.5 goals @ 1/1
Place a £10 bet on our Daily Double with Vegas Land and pocket £40.00 if all predictions are correct.
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