Southampton and Stoke City face off at St Mary’s Stadium this Saturday in the Championship. Read MatchPlug’s analysis and betting tips for Southampton vs Stoke City.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00, with both teams looking to extend their solid starts to the season.
The Saints have collected four points from their opening two league games, while Stoke sit top of the standings after back-to-back wins.
Southampton are still adapting to life in the Championship after last season’s relegation. They began with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Wrexham and followed it up with a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.
In cup action, they edged Northampton 1-0, boosting morale and showing resilience. However, their home form remains worrying with just one win in their last 11 matches at St Mary’s, something they must fix if they’re serious about pushing for a quick Premier League return.
With attacking depth and variety, the Saints can trouble opponents, but inconsistency at home remains their biggest challenge.
Betting On Stoke City
1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 4.625
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
Stoke City have made a flying start to the season under Mark Robins. They opened with a 3-1 victory over Derby, followed it with a dominant 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, and also advanced in the League Cup after penalties against Walsall.
Currently top of the table with six points, the Potters are keen to avoid another relegation scrap after finishing 18th last season. Their sharp attack and clinical finishing have been the difference so far, making them confident as they head to the south coast.
MatchPlug Prediction For Southampton vs Stoke City
Southampton’s patchy home record could play right into Stoke’s hands, especially given the visitors’ momentum and firepower. The Saints remain dangerous with their attacking options, but Stoke look sharper and more ruthless at the moment.
Fulham welcome Manchester United to Craven Cottage in the Premier League this Sunday. Read our preview for the Fulham vs Manchester United match.
Kick-off is at 16:30 BST, with both sides looking to grab their first win of the season after a frustrating opening weekend.
The Cottagers rescued a late point against Brighton, while United were edged out by Arsenal at Old Trafford. With memories of last season’s close encounters still fresh, this promises to be another tight contest.
Fulham showed spirit on the opening weekend, equalising in the 97th minute through Rodrigo Muniz to earn a 1-1 draw with Brighton. That resilience under Marco Silva has become a trademark, especially at Craven Cottage.
Although United edged them twice in the league last season, Fulham proved they could compete, even knocking the Red Devils out of the FA Cup on penalties. Their performances were solid, but a sharper attacking edge is needed to turn dominance into wins.
This clash marks their first home game of the season, and Fulham will be eager to build on that late momentum against a side they know well.
Betting On Manchester United
1XBet Spread: 0
1XBet Moneyline: 2.1
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
Manchester United were unlucky in their opener, losing narrowly to Arsenal despite creating good chances. Ruben Amorim’s side showed promise in attack, but defensive gaps and midfield imbalance remain concerns.
Last season, United edged Fulham in both league meetings by fine margins, but their overall performance suggested they weren’t always in control. Amorim will hope his summer tweaks show progress here, especially against a team that has caused them problems before.
The Red Devils remain dangerous, but consistency and ruthlessness are still being built.
MatchPlug Prediction For Fulham vs Manchester United
Fulham will be buoyed by their late equaliser at Brighton and have proven they can go toe-to-toe with United. Meanwhile, Amorim’s side looked bright against Arsenal but remain a work in progress.
This game has the makings of another close battle. United may just edge it, but Fulham’s resilience suggests a draw is the safer call.
Newcastle and Liverpool meet on Monday night in one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League weekend. Read our preview for the Newcastle vs Liverpool match.
This clash is a repeat of last season’s Carabao Cup final, which the Magpies won to end a 70-year domestic trophy drought.
Eddie Howe’s side enter this clash without their biggest attacking weapon. The absence of Alexander Isak leaves Newcastle looking light in attack, and their wastefulness against Aston Villa last week highlighted that problem.
Still, Monday night games at St James’ Park bring energy and intensity from the crowd, and the Magpies will try to harness that atmosphere to unsettle Liverpool. Defensively, they will need to be far more composed if they are to avoid being picked apart by the visitors’ front line.
Betting On Liverpool
1XBet Spread: 0
1XBet Moneyline: 2.069
1XBet Over/Under: Under 3.5
Liverpool come into this game with confidence after last weekend, but their defence still looks vulnerable and could invite pressure under the lights.
Up front, however, Jurgen Klopp’s men look dangerous.
best online pharmacy with fast delivery buy lioresal online with the lowest prices today in the USA
Mohamed Salah remains their talisman, and Hugo Ekitike is beginning to show why Liverpool brought him in.
best online pharmacy with fast delivery buy glucotrol xl online with the lowest prices today in the USA
With their attacking options sharper and more clinical than Newcastle’s, Liverpool have the edge in this fixture.
MatchPlug Prediction For Newcastle vs Liverpool
This promises to be a fiery encounter, but without Isak, Newcastle may lack the cutting edge needed to punish Liverpool. The visitors’ attack should make the difference under the lights.
Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Matchweek 2 of the Premier League. Here’s our preview for the Manchester City vs Tottenham game.
The champions began the season in style with a 4-0 demolition of Wolves, while Spurs eased past Burnley 3-0. However, Pep Guardiola will be wary of Tottenham’s fine record against his side, with City winning just four of their last 12 league meetings. The match takes place at the Etihad on Sunday.
Let’s take a look at the match preview and betting prediction.
Betting Preview for Manchester City vs Tottenham
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025
Time: 12:30 PM
Teams to play: Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
City opened their title defense in ruthless fashion, with Erling Haaland netting twice against Wolves and new signing Tijjani Reijnders impressing on debut. They also edged Spurs 1-0 in February, but Guardiola’s men have been inconsistent in this fixture, losing 4-0 at home last season.
Fitness updates on Phil Foden, Rodri, Josko Gvardiol, and Savinho will be key, but even without them, City’s attacking depth and home advantage make them favourites to extend their winning start.
Betting on Tottenham Hotspur
1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 6.16
1XBet Over/Under: Under 3.5
Tottenham brushed aside Burnley 3-0 in their opener and arrive with confidence. Ange Postecoglou’s side will lean on their high pressing and counterattacking threat, which has troubled City in the past. Their 4-0 win at the Etihad last season shows they are more than capable of causing an upset.
Defensive organisation and clinical finishing will be vital if Spurs are to frustrate Guardiola’s champions again.
MatchPlug Prediction for Manchester City vs Tottenham
This fixture has historically been a stumbling block for City, but their quality at home gives them the edge. Tottenham’s attacking style should make it an entertaining contest, yet Haaland and company are likely to tip the balance.
Will Kylian Mbappé set La Liga alight in the 2025/26 season? Explore the top storylines as Real Madrid’s superstar aims to lead his team to glory.
Can Real Madrid’s Star Dominate La Liga 2025/26?
Kylian Mbappé’s arrival at Real Madrid has been one of the most talked-about transfers in football history. After years of speculation, the French superstar finally donned the iconic white jersey in 2024, and now, as the 2025/26 La Liga season kicks off, all eyes are on him. Fans tracking every match via free live score updates won’t want to blink—can Mbappé live up to the hype and lead Real Madrid to glory? Here are the most intriguing storylines to watch as the ‘Mbappé Madness’ unfolds in Spain’s top flight.
A New Era Under Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid enters the 2025/26 season with a fresh face at the helm: Xabi Alonso, the former midfield maestro turned tactical genius. After a trophyless 2024/25 campaign, despite Mbappé’s individual brilliance, Alonso’s appointment signals a shift toward a more dynamic, youth-driven project. His high-pressing, possession-based style could unlock Mbappé’s full potential, allowing the forward to exploit spaces with his blistering pace and clinical finishing. Will Alonso’s vision mesh with Mbappé’s flair to create a lethal combination, or will growing pains hinder their progress? The season opener against Osasuna on August 19 at the Santiago Bernabéu will offer an early glimpse.
Mbappé’s Number 10 Legacy
This season, Mbappé inherits the iconic No. 10 jersey, previously worn by Real Madrid legend Luka Modrić. The switch from No. 9 to No. 10 is more than symbolic-it’s a statement of intent. Mbappé, already France’s captain and a global superstar, is expected to carry the weight of this prestigious number. In his debut season, he smashed records, scoring 31 La Liga goals to claim the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Boot. Now, with the No. 10 on his back, the pressure is on to elevate his game further. Can he emulate the likes of Zinedine Zidane and become a talisman for Los Blancos? Fans are buzzing to see if he’ll make the jersey his own.
The El Clásico Showdown
No La Liga season is complete without the electrifying El Clásico, and Mbappé’s role in these clashes will be must-watch drama. Last season, Barcelona dominated Real Madrid, winning all four encounters, including a 4-3 thriller where Mbappé scored a hat-trick but still came up short. With Barcelona’s Hansi Flick refining his squad and young stars like Lamine Yamal shining, the rivalry is fiercer than ever. The first El Clásico on October 26, 2025, at the Bernabéu will test Mbappé’s ability to deliver in big moments. A second clash on May 10, 2026, at the revamped Spotify Camp Nou could decide the title race. Will Mbappé finally outshine his rivals and cement his legacy?
Coexisting with Vinícius Jr. and Bellingham
One of the biggest questions surrounding Mbappé is how he’ll gel with Real Madrid’s other superstars, Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. Last season, tensions arose as Mbappé adjusted to playing as a central striker, often overlapping with Vinícius’ preferred left-wing role. Despite their combined 74 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, some wondered if the duo could truly coexist. Alonso’s tactical tweaks could see Mbappé roam freely across the front line, complementing Vinícius’ dribbling and Bellingham’s all-action midfield play. If they click, Real Madrid’s attack could be unstoppable. If not, tough choices loom.
Chasing the La Liga Crown
After finishing as runners-up to Barcelona last season, Real Madrid is hungry to reclaim the La Liga title. Mbappé’s 31 goals were a bright spot in a disappointing campaign, but his impact wasn’t enough to secure major silverware. With new signings like Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold bolstering the squad, Real Madrid looks poised for a more substantial challenge. Mbappé’s ability to deliver in clutch moments, like his hat-trick against Valladolid or his stunning performance against Manchester City, will be key. Can he lead Real Madrid back to the top and add to his trophy cabinet?
The Global Stage: Club World Cup and Beyond
Mbappé’s impact extends beyond La Liga. With the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025, he has a chance to shine on a global stage. His goal in the Intercontinental Cup final last season proved his knack for big occasions, a performance that still dominates yesterday result discussions among Madridistas. A strong showing could solidify his case for the Ballon d’Or, especially after Vinícius Jr.’s near-miss in 2024. Every goal, every sprint, and every moment of brilliance will be scrutinised as Mbappé aims to prove he’s the world’s best.
From Adaptation to Domination
Kylian Mbappé’s first season at Real Madrid was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but the 2025/26 campaign feels like his moment to shine. With a new manager, a legendary jersey, and fierce rivalries to conquer, the stage is set for “Mbappé Madness” to take La Liga by storm. Whether he’s breaking records or leading Real Madrid to glory, one thing’s sure: fans won’t be able to take their eyes off him.
Instagram Feed
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: No feed found.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.
