From Club World Cup action in Miami to league battles in Dublin, our experts deliver the most confident selections for Monday’s top football fixtures. Who’s backing a goal-fest, and who’s calling a shutout?
Backed by form analysis, tactical insight, and detailed stats, these tips are crafted to give you the edge when placing your Monday wagers.
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Boca Juniors vs Benfica
John Pentin – Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Monday’s pick from John Pentin focuses on the Club World Cup clash between Boca Juniors and Benfica. These two giants of global football meet in Miami, but it’s the Portuguese side who arrive with all the momentum. Benfica are unbeaten in their last 13 matches, with a potent attack spearheaded by Vangelis Pavlidis, who finished the Primeira Liga season with 19 goals. Their ability to seize the initiative early is reflected in the fact they’ve opened the scoring in 11 of those 13 games.
On the flip side, Boca’s build-up to this competition has been chaotic. They’ve changed managers again, lost Edinson Cavani to injury, and haven’t kept a clean sheet in five straight matches. Miguel Merentiel will lead the line but faces a solid Benfica defence marshalled by Nicolas Otamendi. The Eagles have more balance, sharper players in form and a clear plan — they should dominate against a Boca team still figuring things out. Expect Benfica to control proceedings and create multiple chances through Kokcu and Di Maria.
Best bet – Benfica to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Benfica to Win & Over 2.5 Goals | |
9/5 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Benfica have been lethal going forward and solid at the back. Boca look vulnerable after recent instability and travel issues. With Kokcu creating, Pavlidis finishing, and Boca leaking goals, expect Benfica to deliver a high-quality performance and secure three points in a game likely to feature goals. | |
Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC
Herrin Kendrick – Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Herrin Kendrick turns his attention to Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC. The Blues arrive off the back of a Conference League trophy and eight wins from their last nine games. Enzo Maresca’s team play with structure and fluidity, with Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson expected to feature.
While Chelsea look cohesive and prepared, LAFC offer a very different challenge. Olivier Giroud leads their line, while Denis Bouanga’s electric pace can threaten any defence. However, the MLS outfit have conceded in 8 of their last 10 matches and are unlikely to keep Chelsea quiet.
What LAFC do well, though, is score — they’ve netted at least twice in all of their last 10 games. That pattern of high-scoring games should continue in Atlanta, where both teams are expected to find the net, but the Premier League side’s superior quality should ultimately see them through.
Best bet – Both Teams to Score & Chelsea to Win
Both Teams to Score & Chelsea to Win | |
13/8 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Chelsea are on a roll and boast far more squad depth than LAFC. That said, LAFC’s attacking threat, led by Bouanga and Giroud, makes them dangerous. Expect goals at both ends, but Chelsea’s overall control and higher calibre should prevail in an exciting and open Group D encounter. | |
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Shelbourne
Tyler Morris – Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Tyler Morris has chosen the domestic battle at Richmond Park as his pick of the day, zoning in on what could be a closely contested affair between two sides desperate to reach the top three. St Pats are solid at home but struggled to break down Drogheda in their previous match despite firing 19 shots.
Meanwhile, Shelbourne arrive after a feisty defeat to Shamrock Rovers, with Damien Duff’s men failing to win any of their last six away games. They are competitive but lacking a cutting edge on the road, often relying on their defensive shape to keep them in games.
Given St Pats’ frustration in front of goal and Shelbourne’s conservative away tactics, Morris is backing a slow-burner. This one has the hallmarks of a cagey draw or a single-goal contest. With little to separate them and the stakes high, expect a low-scoring game with few clear-cut chances.
Best bet – Under 2.5 Goals
Under 2.5 goals | |
8/13 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Neither St Pats nor Shelbourne are in free-flowing form, and with the pressure of chasing top-three positions, caution could dominate. The visitors have failed to win in six away trips, and the hosts have drawn two straight at home. A tight, low-scoring game is the most likely outcome. | |
Flamengo vs Esperance de Tunis
Wolfgang Shotten – Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Bundesliga expert Wolfgang Shotten steps outside Germany for this one, analysing Flamengo’s opener against Esperance in the Club World Cup. The Brazilian side are flying — top of the Serie A after 11 rounds, and already holders of three domestic trophies under new boss Filipe Luis.
Flamengo’s defensive record is particularly eye-catching: only four goals conceded in 11 league matches. With Brazil internationals across their backline and Jorginho adding control in midfield, they look well equipped to shut down Esperance, a side that has traditionally struggled in this tournament.
The Tunisians dominate in Africa but have won just once in six previous Club World Cup outings. This represents a significant step up in quality. Flamengo’s tempo, technical advantage and tactical organisation will overwhelm the underdogs. Expect a disciplined performance, a few moments of flair — and a clean sheet.
Best bet – Flamengo to Win to Nil
Flamengo to Win to Nil | |
11/10 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Flamengo are stacked with international talent and are unbeaten in Brazil’s top flight this season. Esperance rarely threaten in this competition and have looked out of their depth in the past. Expect the Brazilians to take charge, dominate the ball and keep their opponents at arm’s length for 90 minutes.
| |
🔁 Monday’s Super Double
Feeling bold? Pair two alternative selections from today’s featured games for our best value double.
- Chelsea vs LAFC – Over 3.5 Goals
- Boca Juniors vs Benfica – Both Teams to Score
Super Double Rationale:
Chelsea and LAFC have attacking talent to spare, and goals are expected in abundance given their recent form. Meanwhile, Boca’s unpredictability and Benfica’s firepower point to a likely exchange of goals in Miami. This combo backs entertainment and attacking flair – perfect for a high-stakes Monday double.
Monday’s Super Double | |
3/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Chelsea and LAFC have attacking talent to spare, and goals are expected in abundance given their recent form. Meanwhile, Boca’s unpredictability and Benfica’s firepower point to a likely exchange of goals in Miami. This combo backs entertainment and attacking flair – perfect for a high-stakes Monday double. | |
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