“It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas” are lyrics to a well known festive song and that's how I'm feeling if you take away the word “Christmas” and replace with “the football season is starting.”
Last summer we had the World Cup to keep us occupied and although this year we've had the Women's World Cup and Copa America to keep us busy (I personally avoided both) plus the usual Nordic and Estonian leagues, nothing beats betting on teams you know about and that's certainly the case from this week onwards.
We have Europa League and Champions League qualifiers, dozens of friendlies involving Scottish and English sides plus we see the 1st of the Betfred League Cup group games in Scotland. Welcome back football.
Here's my take on this coming week's football card.
Monday
Quietest day of the week by some stretch – really not much standing out, there are a couple of African Nations matches but other than that it's really slim pickings.
There are two Norwegian games I may have a look at but it could be a no bet day.
Tuesday
- Eight Champions League qualifiers including Celtic's trip to Bosnia
- Three Europa League qualifiers including Rangers' trip to Gibraltar
- It's friendlies daft – 56 in Europe and 36 English and Scottish friendlies – and these can be fantastic to bet on for goals
Wednesday
- Eight Champions League qualifiers
Quite Like Rosenborg away to Linfield (St Johnstone beat Linfield 4-2 on Saturday and the Norwegian season is in full flight).
Thursday
- 44 Europa League qualifiers
You'll be lucky if a handful of these teams make it to the group stage but it certainly offers punters the chance to get the edge over the bookies who have little knowledge of half of these teams.
Both Aberdeen and Kilmarnock are in action and I'll be taking a proper look earlier in the week – definitely money to be made.
Friday
- Betfred Cup – Hearts vs Dundee United
Saturday
- There's the usual Japanese and Chinese games on Saturday morning but it's all about the Betfred Cup with 14 games and this will be my main focus, especially Hibs away at Stirling Albion.
Sunday
- Danish Superliga returns and another mass of friendlies.
All the best for the week ahead.
I'm a St Johnstone diehard and football tipster from Perth, now living in Glasgow. I've been writing football previews and tips for Mr Fixit since 2015, with in-depth knowledge of Scottish football and betting markets, particularly goals and corners markets. You’ll often find me conversing on Twitter @GregBrowning84.
Hope we gonna celebrate
Smashing write up Greg. Will keep a look out for your tips. Your knowledge of Scottish football is top class and as a fellow scot it is good to follow. Do you think you will get stevie may back to St. Johnstone?
Thanks for the kind words mate
Delighted the Scottish games are back and even the friendlies have been great so far
From what I’ve read there’s 4 clubs in for him and if its his choice there is only one club he is going to pick. No chance he’s going to either Dundee Club and certainly not St Mirren. Could be on his way back
Sir Greg, what good writ up, hoping for great beginning of a new foot ball pal.
Would love to see him at Ayr United to replace shankland but I know there is no chance of that
Great write up greg, look forward to your tips for the scottish cup, cant wait for the season to begin
Midtjylland look a great bet each way for the Danish league. 3/1 on the outright and it’s 1/2 the odds first 3 places. Not lost any significant players and added last year’s Brazilian loanee Evander on a permanent deal along with fellow Brazilian fullback Paulinho and Kaba from Dijon. Finished a point behind Copenhagen last season and 18 points ahead of 3rd place Odense. I’ll be amazed if they don’t finish in the top 2