Top Soccer Betting Picks of the Week – September 3rd Edition

We may just have started the season in the European domestic leagues, but we will be heading into an international break this coming week. The friendlies this week are, for many teams, a warm-up for the UEFA Nation’s League (UNL), which will get underway starting next week. It goes without saying that all of the games that we will be focusing on this week will be culled from those friendlies. There are some good ones on the calendar, and we can probably expect decent line-ups on the field given that the UNL is right around the corner. Let’s get right to the action while making some predictions based on the latest Soccer Odds at MyBookie Sportsbook.

Top Soccer Betting Picks of the Week – September 3rd Edition

Holland vs Peru – Thursday

• Soccer Betting Odds: Holland -148 (Total 2.5)

The Dutch are in a bit of a rebuilding phase after failing to qualify for the World Cup in Russia. It was a definite downturn for a nation that has been one of the strongest in world football for years, and they will view the UNL as an opportunity to climb their way back to the top. They will start with a difficult game against a Peru team that looked good at the World Cup despite not making it out of the group stage. This is a game that Holland probably needs more than the Peruvians, so look for them to come out and try to take hold of the game early on in front of their home fans. I like Holland to win a close one. Score Prediction: Holland 2 – Peru 1

Portugal vs Croatia – Thursday

• Soccer Betting Odds: Portugal +152 (Total 2)

Portugal is a team that has reached something of a turning point, as they are now going to be forced to contemplate life without Cristiano Ronaldo in the line-up. He will not be part of the squad for the September games, as will several of the players who had what was a disappointing World Cup. Their opponents, Croatia, were one of the big surprises in Russia, making it all the way to the final before losing to France. These teams do have a bit of a history, with Portugal winning all 3 previous meetings while failing to concede a goal in the process. I think that changes here, though, as I like Croatia to win this one. Score Prediction: Portugal 0 – Croatia 1

Scotland vs Belgium – Friday

• Soccer Betting Odds: Belgium -175 (Total 2.5)

There are several teams that are in rebuilding mode right now, with the Scots certainly among that group. New manager Alex McCleish has been given the task of getting Scotland back to a major competition once qualifying begins for the European Championships, but he will begin with a very tough friendly against one of the best teams in the world. Belgium has somewhat underperformed in the years that they have fielded the golden generation of players, and their window of opportunity is starting to close. This should be a game that they will get through without too many problems. Score Prediction: Scotland 0 – Belgium 3

USA vs Brazil – Friday

• Soccer Betting Odds: Brazil -211 (Total 2.5)

The Americans are another team that is very much in a rebuilding phase after shockingly failing to qualify for the World Cup. They have yet to announce a new coach and have played a lot of younger players in the friendlies played prior to the start of the World Cup. It is probably going to be more of the same here, although they may be going against a Brazil side that will not have many of their bigger stars on the field. Still, playing against one of the best teams in the world is going to be a solid test for the USA, and one that they will likely not pass. Score Prediction: USA 0 – Brazil 4