Nook picks, finest soccer bets, odds, predictions: Can Man Metropolis maintain going in opposition to Chelsea and extra

Kylian Mbappe is leaving PSG once more, for the primary time. Experiences started to floor this week that Mbappe has knowledgeable each the membership and his teammates that he can be leaving as a free agent this summer season, and though he has not informed anybody the place he’ll go, Actual Madrid seems to be the vacation spot.

If this all sounds acquainted, it's as a result of the identical factor occurred two years in the past. Mbappe was on account of go away PSG for Actual Madrid, however on the final second he modified his thoughts and stayed in France. Perhaps we'll see a repeat this summer season, or possibly this time he desires to. I don't know, however I believe leaving PSG is in Mbappé's finest curiosity.

Mbappe is likely one of the finest gamers on the planet, however outdoors of the World Cup (which he received in 2018 and completed as runner-up in 2022), Mbappe hasn't performed on the brightest phases. After all, the World Cup is a really glittering stage, however worldwide soccer has not been what strikes the needle for a participant's Q-score within the trendy period.

Cristiano Ronaldo received Euro 2016 however by no means received a World Cup. Lionel Messi was the most important star on the planet for a decade earlier than lastly profitable the World Cup (forward of Mbappe) in 2022. If you happen to take a look at Kylian's time at PSG, they received Ligue 1 nearly each season, however within the Champions League (the place international superstars are made nowadays), PSG constantly fell quick. My principle has all the time been that even with an unimaginable assortment of expertise, PSG undergo as a result of they play in a league with no actual opponents. It's a staff that's merely not used to adversity and has been bowed out too typically within the Champions League knockout phases after they've confronted off.

A transfer to Actual Madrid may present the platform Mbappe must change into a real international famous person at membership and worldwide degree.

Fulham vs. Aston Villa

Date: Saturday, February 17 | Time: 10 am ET | Clock: Peacock

Aston Villa can compete for a Champions League spot within the Premier League, however they’re nonetheless not coated in the identical manner as England's high golf equipment are. In the event that they have been, you'd know all about Aston Villa's harm disaster, however whereas there's a number of speak about who's out at Liverpool, you don't hear a lot about what Aston Villa is as much as. Aston Villa have been caught with their fourth and fifth centre-backs for weeks, however now that Pau Torres is on the verge of enjoying for the primary time since selecting up an harm on December 30, Diego Carlos is dominated out with a hamstring harm crows Torres' defensive accomplice Ezri Konsa has missed the final two video games with a knee harm that’s prone to maintain him out for a number of weeks. The staff's defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara, a key position for Villa's midfield and protection, tore his ACL final week and is finished for the 12 months.

So Villa will doubtless play this sport with two left-handed centre-backs, one among whom hasn't performed since 2023, and with out their finest defensive midfielder. Sound just like the staff you need to again as a favourite on the street, the place they have been a lot weaker, even at full energy? I don’t! Fulham have been on a rut for round two months however have managed to keep away from defeat in every of their final three video games and have been significantly better at Craven Cottage. It is a nice likelihood for Fulham to get an sudden three factors in opposition to one of many high groups within the league. Decide: Fulham (+200)

Manchester Metropolis vs Chelsea

Date: Saturday, February 17 | Time: 12:30 PM ET | Clock: NBC

Forgive me if I don't assume back-to-back wins on the street in opposition to an (injury-depleted) Aston Villa within the FA Cup and Crystal Palace imply Chelsea have 'turned a nook'. Positive, something is feasible, however aside from wins in opposition to Brighton and Tottenham months in the past, all of Chelsea's wins have come in opposition to groups within the backside half of the desk. Not too long ago, in opposition to Liverpool and Wolverhampton, they’ve allowed eight targets. Even in current wins, Chelsea have seemed susceptible in defence. The final 14 Premier League video games have seen a mean of Four.07 targets, together with a loopy Four-Four draw in opposition to Manchester Metropolis in London.

I don't anticipate to see eight targets this weekend, though I wouldn't be shocked if Manchester Metropolis rating 4 once more. Metropolis have been hit this season too, however they’re again to full well being. Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland are as soon as once more working collectively to terrorize groups and can doubtless mix for a minimum of one aim right here. Moreover, Metropolis haven’t been true to themselves. They’ve managed simply six clear sheets in 23 Premier League video games this season, with two of these coming within the first two video games of the season. Selection: over Three.5 (+120)

Lazio vs. Bologna

Date: Sunday, February 18 | Time: 6:30 ET | Clock: Paramount+

Bologna haven’t solely been one of many greatest surprises in Serie A this season, however in recent times as nicely. The league has seen loads of parity when it comes to who wins it, however the Scudetto carousel has solely featured a choose few golf equipment using it. Sometimes, whereas the order modifications, the highest six groups in Serie A have been constant for a while. Enter Bologna, who sit fifth within the league forward of the likes of Roma, Lazio and Napoli. Due to the tutelage of rising star Thiago Motta, Bologna completed ninth final season, their finest end in Serie A since ending ninth in 2012. They’re now preventing for a spot within the Champions League and high flight from the heyday of the 1960s.

However Bologna are flying so excessive because of their type at dwelling, the place they’ve received 10 of 13 video games with only one defeat. On the street, they received as soon as in 11 matches. Whereas Lazio sit decrease than ordinary, their current type (together with a 1-Zero win over Bayern Munich within the Champions League this week) suggests they need to proceed to climb in the direction of the European locations. It is a essential sport for each golf equipment on this chase and I fancy Lazio's possibilities of returning the favor after a 1-Zero defeat at Bologna in early November. Decide: Lazio (+135)

Weekend Parlay

This week we have now a 4 stage dialogue paying +154. It could be good to assist us get out of the outlet we've been in with our Champions League efficiency. Sure.

• Bayer Leverkusen (-310)
• Arsenal (-330)
• Bayern Munich (-320)
• Benfica (-800)