Top football tips for Saturday: Four standout football bets, selected by our trusted BettingTips4You analysts, covering action from the Premier League’s pre-season, League One’s opening day, and the MLS. Each pick is based on current form, team news, tactical context and value in the market. Read on for our expert insight.
Let’s dive into the top football tips of the day.
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✅ Tip 1: Nashville SC vs Aston Villa
Wolfgang Shotten; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Aston Villa round off their pre-season tour of the United States with a meeting against an in-form Nashville side. The Villans have hit their stride after a sluggish start to the summer, with Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers both scoring in back-to-back matches. Unai Emery is using this tour to integrate his key players, and Villa’s line-up should again feature most of the first-team regulars.
Nashville, however, are no easy task. They’ve been climbing the MLS table rapidly, losing just two of their last 16 games. Sam Surridge is on fire, scoring 20 goals this season, and Hany Mukhtar adds a creative spark. At Geodis Park, they have the best defensive home record in the MLS, but also enough firepower to trouble Villa.
Both teams are expected to attack with confidence and test each other defensively, making this a prime spot for goals at both ends.
Best bet – Both Teams to Score
Both Teams to Score | |
4/9 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Watkins and Surridge lead the line for two sides with plenty of attacking threat. Villa’s defence is still being fine-tuned, while Nashville’s attacking unit is in full flow. Expect action both ways. | |
✅ Tip 2: Blackpool vs Stevenage
Herrin Kendrick; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Blackpool begin their League One campaign at home to a Stevenage side still finding their feet after a reshuffle over the summer. Steve Bruce’s team have had an encouraging pre-season and look sharper than they did for most of last term. With Fletcher and Ennis in attack, the Tangerines are expected to carry a major threat going forward.
Stevenage, though, are often scrappy travellers and have never beaten Blackpool on the road. Their backline could be vulnerable against Blackpool’s wing-backs and the clever movement of Ennis. Even with summer reinforcements like Pattenden and Marschall, they may find it hard to contain a Blackpool team playing on the front foot in their own stadium.
Bruce will want a fast start to keep momentum building, and given the quality and experience throughout the squad, the Seasiders look like a good shout to edge this encounter.
Best bet – Blackpool to Win
Blackpool to Win | |
19/20 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Blackpool are well-prepared and playing at home against a Stevenage side who tend to struggle on the road. With Bruce’s men looking sharp and focused, this feels like a strong opportunity for three points. | |
✅ Tip 3: Doncaster Rovers vs Exeter City
Steve Harrington; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Back in League One, Doncaster are full of belief after topping League Two last season. Grant McCann has brought a sense of organisation and freedom in attack, with Luke Molyneux and Billy Sharp leading a dangerous frontline. They’ve scored freely in pre-season, averaging over three goals per game, and look set to take that form into competitive action.
Exeter, on the other hand, ended last season in a downward trend and haven’t added much depth over the summer. While they’ve shown some attacking spark in friendlies, their away form in the league has been patchy. Doncaster have not only been winning, but doing so with confidence and control. The tempo of their play, especially at home, could catch Exeter cold.
Expect Doncaster to strike early and take command.
Best bet – Doncaster to Score in Both Halves
Doncaster to Score in Both Halves | |
19/10 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Doncaster are scoring for fun and come into the season full of attacking confidence. With Sharp and Molyneux in form, they can hurt Exeter either side of the break at Eco-Power Stadium. | |
✅ Tip 4: Lincoln City vs Reading
John Pentin; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Lincoln looked sharp in pre-season, finishing with an impressive 4-2 win over West Brom, and their home form has been solid throughout 2024. James Collins is their go-to man in front of goal and has support from a lively trio in House, Hackett, and Ring. Reading, in contrast, come into the new season with uncertainty after a summer overhaul and just one friendly win from five outings.
Reading still have individual talent—Harvey Knibbs was a standout performer last season—but their defensive cohesion has looked fragile, especially with Burns and O’Connor still settling in. Lincoln play with intensity under Michael Skubala, and the home crowd at Sincil Bank will expect them to take initiative.
With Reading trying to gel and Lincoln looking far more prepared, there’s good value in the home side to at least avoid defeat.
Best bet – Lincoln City Double Chance (Win or Draw)
Lincoln City Double Chance (Win or Draw) | |
1/4 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Lincoln are settled and scoring goals, while Reading are rebuilding and short on rhythm. At home, the Imps should have enough to get a result—either a draw or a win—against a shaky opponent. | |
🧲 Saturday Super Double
We’ve picked two alternate tips from the matches above to build a Daily Super Double – different bets from the ones featured, but not in conflict.
✅ Ollie Watkins to Score Anytime (Nashville SC vs Aston Villa)
Watkins is in electric pre-season form and has scored in two straight games. Up against an open Nashville side, he’s likely to get chances.
✅ Over 2.5 Goals (Doncaster Rovers vs Exeter City)
Both sides can score, but Doncaster look especially dangerous. With Sharp and Molyneux buzzing around, expect plenty of action.
Rationale of the Double:
Watkins is in the form needed to finish a pre-season tour with another goal, while Doncaster’s front line should push Exeter into a high-scoring match. Backing both the Villa striker and goals at Eco-Power Stadium could deliver excellent value.
Saturday’s Super Double | |
3/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Watkins is in the form needed to finish a pre-season tour with another goal, while Doncaster’s front line should push Exeter into a high-scoring match. Backing both the Villa striker and goals at Eco-Power Stadium could deliver excellent value. | |
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