We are back in action on the domestic side of soccer following another busy international break that saw plenty of World Cup qualifying matches taking place. And with that, The Action Network crew is searching for hidden underdog gems with plenty of betting value across the global landscape.
Handicappers Jeremy Pond, Brett Pund and BJ Cunningham have uncovered three English outfits they believe are ripe to pull off big victories at solid prices.
If you're new to this preview, our experts look for live underdogs at +200 odds or longer playing on the weekend around the world. Whether it's a match in the Bundesliga, Serie A, Premier League or even the Championship, the goal is simple: Find a team that could deliver a winner.
That said, let's take a look at their top selections on the intriguing docket.
| GAME | PICK | ODDS | DAY | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Sheffield vs. Stoke City | Stoke City | +220 | Saturday | 10 a.m. ET |
| Aston Villa vs. Wolves | Wolves | +240 | Saturday | 10 a.m. ET |
| Newcastle vs. Spurs | Newcastle | +255 | Sunday | 11:30 a.m. ET |
Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute Soccer odds here
Jeremy Pond: Stoke City ML (+220) vs. Sheffield United
- Odds available at DraftKings
- Day | Time: Saturday | 10 a.m. ET
We love the agony of chasing winners in the Championship so much that we're going right back to England's second division for our latest underdog hopeful. And the latest flavor of the week comes via the Potters of Stoke City.
Prior to the international break, manager Michael O'Neill watched his lads earn an impressive 1-0 victory against previously unbeaten West Bromwich Albion. That performance was the highlight of their recent run of form that has seen Stoke City lose just one of its last six fixtures.
In contrast, Sheffield United has lost two on the bounce after commencing its campaign with a five-match unbeaten run. Middlesbrough and Bournemouth delivered the host side those defeats, so it's hoping this is a get-right spot before things potentially spiral further south at Bramall Lane.
Form is a huge deal for me in these Championship confrontations, and the Potters are simply playing a better brand of soccer at this time. They've moved to fourth in the table, and I think this is a perfect game to bag three road points.
Back Stoke City at +220 odds via DraftKings to win this match outright.
Brett Pund: Wolves ML (+240) vs. Aston Villa
- Odds available at DraftKings
- Day | Time: Saturday | 10 a.m. ET
Wolves come into the weekend as winners of three of their last four league matches, and I feel that they are a good price to make it four in five at Villa Park on Saturday.
When you compare the two teams, I have the two of them much closer to even as opposed to Aston Villa being the bigger favorite.
Wolves have the advantage in expected goals difference, posting a +1.3 over the last five matches as opposed to Villa’s -1.3, according to fbref.com. On the season, Wolves also has the edge at +1.4 compared to -1.1 for the Villains.
Bruno Lage’s side has either been poor finishers, or it’s just been bad luck in front of goal as only Southampton and Norwich are below Wolves in goals per shot (0.04). Could we start to see some positive regression?
Keep an eye on the news on Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez, who will be making the late flight back to the club after coming off the bench for his country on Wednesday night.
Wolves have won four of their last seven league meetings with Aston Villa, and I think they are good value to add another victory on Saturday.
BJ Cunningham: Newcastle ML (+255) vs. Spurs
- Odds available at DraftKings
- Day | Time: Sunday | 11:30 a.m. ET
Newcastle has had a dreadful start to the season, picking up only three points in their first seven matches.
After it was announced that the Saudi-backed ownership group will be purchasing the club, things are going to change very quickly in northeastern England. However, as it stands, the Magpies are in desperate need of a result on home soil against Tottenham Hotspur.
The biggest problem for Newcastle to begin the season has been their defense. The Magpies have allowed 16 goals from 13.3 xG, but a lot of that had to do with some terrible goalkeeping in the first part of the campaign.
For the first four games of the season, Newcastle was playing third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who really struggled in front of net. The last three matches have featured No. 1 goalkeeper, Karl Darlow, between the posts and it has been a night-and-day difference.
Tottenham’s offensive numbers through their first seven matches are quite concerning, considering they have one of the league’s best strikers in Harry Kane. The club has only created 6.5 non-penalty expected goals, which is the fourth-lowest mark in the Premier League.
Spurs also rank in the bottom half of just about every offensive metric like progressive passes; touches in the opponents’ penalty area; crosses completed into the 18-yard box; and, shot-creating actions, according to FBref.com.
I have this match projected much closer to Pick’em rather than Tottenham being favored, so I think there’s some value on Newcastle to grab all three points at +255 odds in this intriguing confrontation.
