Can Atletico Block out the Alvarez Noise? Expert Picks on the Pitch Today

BettingThePitch

Written by: BettingThePitch

Published: Sun Aug 23, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

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EPL

Another big Sunday slate is here!

It was great having Europe's top leagues back in action yesterday, and we already got our first major shocker. Manchester United fell to Hull City on the road in a result very few people saw coming.

I try not to overreact this early in the season. After all, we're talking about one match.

Still, that was far from a promising start for the Red Devils. They'll have plenty to figure out before taking the pitch again.

We're jumping around a few different leagues today with three spots that caught my attention.

Let's get into the plays!

Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

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Featured Plays

Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal

Let's start in Spain.

Both clubs already have one match under their belts, which gives us at least a small sample to work with.

Villarreal have given Atletico Madrid problems in recent meetings.

There's also plenty of noise surrounding Julian Alvarez right now. I'm curious to see whether that situation becomes a distraction for the players or supporters as the season progresses.

Atletico opened their campaign with a win at home, scoring twice late to defeat Malaga.

They got the three points, but the performance wasn't overly convincing.

This will be a much tougher test.

Villarreal began their season with a 2-2 road draw and now face another difficult trip.

The Metropolitano is never an easy place for visiting teams.

However, I like the experience Villarreal have throughout their squad. They should be able to create chances, especially when Atletico leave space in transition.

I also expect a better attacking performance from the hosts.

Atletico should control more of the match at home, but I don't trust them to keep Villarreal off the scoresheet.

Ultimately, I lean toward Atletico getting the win.

For betting purposes, though, I prefer both teams to find the net.

Play: Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal Both Teams To Score (-130)

Newcastle United vs. Liverpool

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Both clubs kick off their Premier League campaigns today, and there are plenty of questions surrounding each side.

Newcastle had a frustrating transfer window.

They sold several players and missed out on multiple targets who eventually signed elsewhere.

Liverpool enter with questions of their own.

The midfield is a concern for both clubs, and neither side has that obvious leader controlling the middle of the pitch.

That's where I think this match could get interesting.

We could see turnovers, counterattacks, and plenty of opportunities at both ends.

St. James' Park is also one of the toughest places to play in England. No matter what Newcastle's squad looks like on paper, that atmosphere always gives them a boost.

Still, I expect Liverpool to find plenty of success going forward.

I'm also expecting a big season from Alexander Isak.

Injuries disrupted his first year with Liverpool, but I liked what I saw from him at the World Cup. The No. 9 role is his to lose.

Liverpool have enough attacking quality to put up a crooked number here.

The problem is at the other end.

I'm not sold on this Liverpool back line, especially with uncertainty in front of them in midfield.

Newcastle should get their chances at home.

With both defenses vulnerable and plenty of attacking talent on the pitch, I like this match to produce goals.

Play: Newcastle vs. Liverpool Over 3 Goals (-130)

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Fulham vs. Chelsea

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer needs to have a bounce back season if The Blues are to compete for a top finish.

This match is being played Monday, but I like the spot enough to include it today.

I'm very high on Chelsea this season.

Xabi Alonso takes over a talented squad with several new additions, including Morgan Rogers.

The attacking options are exciting.

With Rogers, Joao Pedro, and Cole Palmer leading the way, Chelsea have more than enough quality to consistently create chances.

This will be the season opener for both clubs, so there will naturally be some early growing pains.

Chelsea are learning a new system under Alonso while also working several new players into the squad.

That adjustment won't happen overnight.

Still, the talent is there.

Fulham aren't receiving much attention entering the season, but I think there's quality in this squad. They should create a few problems for Chelsea at home.

My biggest concern with Fulham is their defense.

That back line could be their weakness this season, especially if individual mistakes become a recurring problem.

Chelsea are exactly the type of team capable of punishing those mistakes.

I think the Blues will need multiple goals to get the result they want on the road.

At this price, I'm willing to back them to find at least two.

Play: Chelsea Team Total Over 1.5 Goals (-130)

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BettingThePitch
BettingThePitch

Just a guy who loves sports, soccer and beating the books!

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