Football enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to a packed schedule on Sunday, May 18, offering ample betting opportunities. Several of the sport`s biggest names, including Lionel Messi, Bukayo Saka, and Romelu Lukaku, are set to feature in crucial matches. Lukaku, in particular, aims to continue his strong season this Sunday when Napoli visits Parma.
Lukaku`s contribution of 13 goals and 10 assists in the league has been key to Napoli holding a one-point lead over Inter Milan at the top of the Serie A table.
Meanwhile, Sunday also features two significant MLS in-state rivalries: Inter Miami faces Orlando City SC, and LAFC takes on the LA Galaxy. With a wide selection of matches available for betting, SportsLine`s soccer expert, Brandt Sutton, has analyzed the potential value in the odds for these May 18 fixtures.
Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has served as SportsLine`s leading soccer editor for over six years. He achieved profitability for subscribers across various leagues in 2023, including the Champions League, English Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup. In 2022, he was SportsLine`s top soccer expert, posting a 165-130-2 record and generating nearly $2,200 for $100 players.
Here are Sutton`s top soccer picks and predictions for Sunday, May 18:
English Premier League: Arsenal vs. Newcastle
Pick: Under 2.5 goals
Both teams are vying for a top-four spot, and a draw could potentially benefit both, suggesting a cautious game. Arsenal also boasts the league`s most robust defense, having conceded only 33 goals this season. Notably, nine of the last ten encounters between these two sides have ended with fewer than 2.5 goals scored.
Serie A: Parma vs. Napoli
Pick: Under 2.5 goals
Napoli`s position atop the Serie A standings is significantly bolstered by their disciplined defense, which has allowed only 27 goals in 36 league games. Antonio Conte`s team has secured four clean sheets in their last five league matches and now faces a Parma side that managed just two shots on target in their previous meeting.
MLS: Inter Miami vs. Orlando City
Pick: Both Teams to Score (BTTS) & Over 2.5 goals
Both clubs are effective in attack. Heading into the weekend, Inter Miami and Orlando City were tied for second in the Eastern Conference, each having scored 24 goals. Orlando City has recently found the net 11 times in their last three matches across all competitions, while Inter Miami has conceded seven goals in their previous two league fixtures.
MLS: LAFC vs. LA Galaxy
Pick: LAFC to win
Despite being the reigning MLS Cup champions, the LA Galaxy have endured a difficult start to the season, finding themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference without a single win in their opening 13 games. Conversely, LAFC has won six of their 13 league matches and are in strong scoring form, netting two or more goals in their last four games, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Seattle. The Galaxy are also dealing with fatigue after a recent 3-2 loss and cross-country travel.
