Football Multi Bet: $10.21 Tip for Sunday

Pre-season friendlies aren’t always great for betting, but this Sunday NZT has three strong fixtures. I’m backing sides at different stages of their preparation - two with managers starting their first full campaigns in charge, and a third with Premier League pedigree against second-division opposition. Combined odds on this football multi bet come to $10.21.

Sunday August 2, 1:00am NZT, Strawberry Arena, Stockholm

Man United lost their opener against Wrexham 1-0 on July 18, then thumped Rosenborg 5-0 six days later. Joshua Zirkzee scored and assisted in that second game, and I expect United to be just as clinical here. Michael Carrick’s first full pre-season as permanent boss has looked well-organised, and the Nordic tour has given his squad a rhythm that Atletico won’t have yet.

I don’t know how many World Cup players will be back for either side, and that’s the honest risk with this tip. But at $2.30 on betting apps in NZ, I’m taking United. Stockholm is neutral ground, and their confidence after that Rosenborg result will count for a lot.

Sunday August 2, 4:00am NZT, Worthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt

This is Jose Mourinho’s first match back as Real Madrid manager. I’d be surprised if his side don’t take this one seriously. 

Madrid started pre-season on July 13 with a reduced squad - just Andriy Lunin, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, and a handful of academy players. However, Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde are both expected to return after early World Cup exits with Germany and Uruguay.

Fiorentina won just twice in their final seven Serie A games. Their 4-0 loss at Roma in early May was dire, and they also drew four of those seven. 

I’m comfortable at $1.85. Mourinho won’t want a poor result in his first game back, and Fiorentina’s end to last season gives me no reason to oppose him on sports betting sites.

Sunday August 2, 6:00am NZT, Estadi Montilivi, Girona

Right, this is the risky leg of this multi, for sure. 

Arsenal had 15 players at the World Cup and most haven’t returned yet - the Spanish and English contingents who went deep in the tournament are still on holiday. William Saliba is also out long-term with a back problem. Kai Havertz is back after Germany’s early Round of 32 exit, and Viktor Gyokeres has joined pre-season training, so there’s still real attacking quality in the squad.

Ben White and Jurrien Timber have both travelled to Spain after recovering from injuries, which helps. Girona are in the Segunda Division now after getting relegated from La Liga. 

I know it’s a punt, but $2.40 on football betting sites feels generous for a side with Gyokeres and Havertz up front, Segunda Division opponents or not.