Top Soccer Betting Picks of the Week – May 29 Edition

If you’re a soccer betting enthusiast and you’re looking to find out who’s on the pitch this week and which teams are offering the best betting value, then get ready, I’m about to ‘Bend it Like Beckham’. Two international friendlies take center stage in this week’s Top Soccer Picks of the Week. Now, let’s get started, but remember to check the latest soccer odds right before placing your ticket.

Top Soccer Betting Picks of the Week – May 29th Edition

Italy vs. France

• When: Friday, June 1, 2018, 3:00 pm
• Where: Allianz Riviera
• TV: ESPN
• Soccer Betting Odds: Italy +399 / France -124 / Draw +264
• Total: 2.5

This match is one of France’s five-game warm-up series for the World Cup. Unfortunately, Italy didn’t qualify, so getting the win here is likely a lot more meaningful for the Italians. France’s first 2018 FIFA World Cup match in Russia will take place on Saturday, June 16th in Kazan versus Australia. France comes into this match off an overwhelming 2-0 win over Ireland the last time they took the pitch. The Frenchmen owned possession for a mind-boggling 76 percent of the match and put eight shots on goal to get the shutout win. France has also found the back of the net an impressive seven times in their last three matches, so they’re clearly playing solid offense. Against Ireland, Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir scored within three minutes of one another while the defense allowed just one shot on goal. Italy didn’t qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958. However, the Italians come into this match off an impressive 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia the last time they took the pitch. Mario Balotelli marked his return to Italy with his first international goal in nearly four years. Balotelli last took the pitch for Italy and scored for Italy in the 2014 World Cup, broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when he controlled the ball about 20 yards from goal and lashed a shot inside the near post. Andrea Belotti doubled his side’s advantage before Yahya Al-Shehri pulled one back for Saudi Arabia.

Prediction

I know France has gone 3-1-1 against Italy the last five times they’ve played and beat their rivals 3-1 the last time they met in a 2016 International Friendly, but I’m going to say that Italy is going seriously all-out to get the win this time around, seeing as how this match is a lot more meaningful for them than it is for France. Pure and unadulterated desperation will be the driving force behind Italy getting the win in this one! Pick: Italy 2 – France 1

Ireland vs. U.S.A.

• When: Saturday, June 2, 2018, 3:00 pm
• Where: Aviva Stadium
• TV: ESPN2, ESPN3
• Soccer Betting Odds: Ireland +111 / U.S.A. +268 / Draw +231
• Total: 2.5

The Republic of Ireland is struggling in a big way and comes into this match off a humbling 2-0 shutout against France the last time they took the pitch. As a matter of fact, Ireland hasn’t won a match since October against Wales so they’ll be completely desperate against the U.S.A. The good news for Ireland is that they have a big edge in experience against their younger opponents in this one and they’re playing at home and they generally look a lot better on their home turf than away. The bad news for Ireland is that the U.S. is coming off a statement-making 3-0 shutout win over Bolivia the last time we saw them on the pitch. The U.S.A. will be looking for their third straight win, so they’re also going to be highly motivated.

Prediction

Ireland has won the last two meetings against the US by a combined score of 6-2, but they’re not getting the win in this one soccer betting enthusiasts. No…now, the U.S. is younger, faster and stronger. Plus, they’re a lot hungrier and I think that desire will be just enough to lead them to the super narrow win despite being on the road, far, far away from home! Pick: U.S.A. 2 – Ireland 1