Jane Njoku, Author at Matchplug Blog

Football Prediction Today: Real Madrid VS Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid host Athletic Bilbao in a high-stakes La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu this Sunday. Read our preview for the Real Madrid vs Ath. Bilbao.
The home side is second in the standings, four points behind Barcelona, and needs a win to stay in the title race. Bilbao, meanwhile, sit fourth and have European qualification in their sights.

Madrid have had a rough patch recently, with just one win in their last five games across all competitions. Matchplug is your surest plug for picks and analysis for all football matches.

Betting Preview for Real Madrid VS Athletic Bilbao

Venue: Santiago Bernabéu
Date: Sunday, April 20th, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Teams: Real Madrid VS Athletic Bilbao
Odds via 1XBet

Betting On Real Madrid

1XBet Spread: -0.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.85
1XBet Over/Under: Over 2.5

Real Madrid are winless in four of their last five matches and come into this one after a 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League. Their La Liga form is more solid, with just one home defeat in their last nine games, and they’re unbeaten against Bilbao at the Bernabéu since 2005.

Kylian Mbappé is suspended and injured, while Militão, Carvajal, and Mendy are also unavailable. Lunin may return to the bench, but Madrid’s depth will be tested. With pride and points on the line, expect them to push hard for a win.

Betting On Athletic Bilbao

1XBet Spread: +0.5
1XBet Moneyline: 4.00
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5

Bilbao are on an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions and have conceded just once in their last four matches. They recently beat Rayo Vallecano 3-1 and followed that up with a 2-0 win over Rangers in the Europa League.

Ernesto Valverde’s side have lost only one of their last 11 La Liga away games, and although they haven’t won at the Bernabéu in nearly two decades, they will be quietly confident here. Berchiche is injured, while Iñaki Williams is expected to be eased back from the bench.

MatchPlug Prediction For Real Madrid VS Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid have been inconsistent lately, especially with injuries and a draining European exit. However, their home form in La Liga remains solid, and their long unbeaten run at the Bernabéu against Bilbao gives them a psychological edge.

Athletic Bilbao come into this match in better form and with momentum, but breaking their poor away record against Madrid will be tough.

Final Prediction: Draw

Football Prediction Today: AC Milan vs Atalanta

AC Milan welcome Atalanta to the San Siro in a crucial Serie A clash on Sunday. Read our preview for the AC Milan vs Atalanta match.
The hosts are chasing a top-four finish, while Atalanta are looking to tighten their grip on third place in the table. This fixture promises to be one of the standout games of the weekend.

Milan returned to winning ways last week playing against Udinese, while Atalanta ended their three-game losing run by beating Bologna. With both teams back in form, this could be a tight and high-quality encounter.

Kickoff is set for 19:45 PM ET.

Betting Preview for AC Milan VS Atalanta

Venue: San Siro
Date: Sunday, April 20th, 2025
Time: 19:45 PM ET
Teams: AC Milan VS Atalanta
Odds via 1XBet

Betting On AC Milan

1XBet Spread: -0.25
1XBet Moneyline: 2.30
1XBet Over/Under: Over 2.5

The Rossoneri have lost just one of their last six league games, scoring two or more in four of those. They’re also tough to beat at home, just one loss at San Siro since October across all competitions.

They’ll be without Emerson Royal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Kyle Walker, but the return of Mike Maignan and Santiago Gimenez could boost their chances. Milan will be motivated to close the gap on Atalanta and strengthen their European push.

Betting On Atalanta

1XBet Spread: +0.25
1XBet Moneyline: 3.10
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5

Atalanta returned to form with a 2-0 win over Bologna and have a strong head-to-head record against Milan, going unbeaten in their last four meetings. However, their recent away form isn’t great—they’re winless in their last three Serie A visits to the San Siro.

Injuries remain a concern, with Scamacca, De Ketelaere, Kolasinac, Scalvini, and Palestra all ruled out. Posch is a doubt as well, which could leave them vulnerable defensively.

MatchPlug Prediction For AC Milan VS Atalanta

Milan are solid at home and will be eager to keep building momentum, while Atalanta will fight to maintain their strong league position. Both teams are capable of scoring, but neither has a clear edge.

Therefore, our prediction for this match is a draw between both teams.

Final Prediction: Draw

MLB Expert Picks: San Francisco Giants VS LA Angels

The San Francisco Giants visit the LA Angels for their only three-game series this season, starting Friday night. Both teams are coming off Thursday losses and are looking to bounce back in Game 1. Matchplug has the odds, preview, and prediction for this interleague matchup.

The game is scheduled for 9:38 PM ET on Friday.

Betting Preview for San Francisco Giants VS LA Angels

Venue: Angel Stadium, Anaheim
Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2025
Time: 9:38 PM ET
Teams: San Francisco Giants VS LA Angels
Odds provided by 1XBet

Betting On The San Francisco Giants

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.70
1XBet Over/Under: Over 8.5

The Giants are 13-6 and have been one of the best offensive teams in the league, ranking third in total runs. Their pitching has also been solid, with a team ERA of 3.63, 9th in the MLB. Despite a shaky last outing from their starter, San Francisco will be confident heading into this one.

Betting On The LA Angels

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.171
1XBet Over/Under: Under 8.5

The Angels have lost four straight and are struggling after a strong start to the season. They dropped their last two series and now sit third in the AL West. With both starters in poor form and their offense cooling off, they’ll need a strong showing at home to get back on track.

MatchPlug Prediction For San Francisco Giants VS LA Angels

The Giants have been better on both sides of the ball and should take advantage of an Angels team that’s trending downward. Look for San Francisco’s bats to make the difference.

Final Prediction: Giants Over/Under

MLB Expert Picks: Boston Red Sox VS Chicago White Sox

The Boston Red Sox host the struggling Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of a new three-game weekend series at Fenway Park. Read our preview for the Boston Red Sox VS Chicago White Sox.
Both teams are looking to build some consistency, but Boston has the momentum coming into this clash. Matchplug provides the odds and in-depth preview for the Red Sox VS White Sox matchup.

The game is scheduled for 21:10 PM on Saturday.

Before locking in your picks, read Matchplug’s preview, odds, and prediction for this American League showdown.

Betting Preview for Boston Red Sox VS Chicago White Sox

Venue: Fenway Park
Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Time: 21:10 PM
Teams to play: Boston Red Sox VS Chicago White Sox
Odds as provided by 1XBet

Betting On The Boston Red Sox

1XBet Spread: -2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.284
1XBet Over/Under: Over 8.5

Boston is treading water at 10-10 in the highly competitive AL East, with recent back-to-back wins over Tampa Bay boosting their confidence. Offensively, they are batting .247 and have scored 86 runs this season.

The spotlight will be on Trevor Story, who’s coming off a two-home-run performance and could provide the spark Boston needs. On the mound, Hunter Dobbins is expected to start after allowing just two earned runs across five innings in his MLB debut.

The Red Sox have only averaged 2.8 runs per game in their last five, which raises questions about covering the run line (-1.5), but they still hold the upper hand with momentum and home-field advantage.

Betting On The Chicago White Sox

1XBet Spread: +2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.88
1XBet Over/Under: Under 8.5

The White Sox enter Saturday’s game at 4-15 overall and fresh off an 0-8 loss to the Oakland Athletics. They’ve lost four in a row and have struggled on both sides of the ball. Their 4.36 ERA ranks in the bottom 10 of the league, and the offense hasn’t done much to help either.

Martin Perez, Saturday’s starter, allowed two runs in 4.1 innings against Boston in their last meeting, a narrow 3-2 win. If he can replicate that form, Chicago could make it interesting, but their lack of run production remains a major concern.

MatchPlug Prediction For Boston Red Sox VS Chicago White Sox

Boston may not be blowing teams out, but with Trevor Story heating up and Dobbins showing early promise, they should have enough to edge out a struggling White Sox team.

Red Sox to win, but avoid run line.

Final Prediction: Red Sox, Over/Under

MLB Expert Picks: Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks

After an epic Game 1 filled with grand slams, momentum shifts, and a wild 13-11 final score, the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks return to Wrigley Field for Game 2 of their weekend series. Read our preview for the Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks.
Matchplug breaks down the odds, analysis, and prediction for this exciting National League battle.

First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 PM ET on Friday.

Betting Preview for Chicago Cubs VS Arizona Diamondbacks

Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago
Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Time: 19:20 PM ET
Teams: Chicago Cubs VS Arizona Diamondbacks
Odds provided by 1XBet

Betting On The Chicago Cubs

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.9
1XBet Over/Under: Over 7.5

The Cubs are coming off one of the most dramatic wins of the season. With multiple home runs, including a grand slam by Ian Happ and a two-homer performance by Kelly, the offense looks red-hot. Closer Pressly came through in the ninth to secure the win and his second victory of the season.

Chicago is showing good form at home and will look to carry that energy into Game 2.

Betting On The Arizona Diamondbacks

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.968
1XBet Over/Under: Under 7.5

Despite losing Game 1, Arizona’s offense showed explosive power with a 10-run seventh inning. Suárez, Grichuk, Perdomo, and Gurriel Jr. all came up big, and the D-backs proved they can turn any game around quickly.

With Corbin Burnes expected to start, Arizona holds a slight edge in the pitching department. A strong outing from him could swing the result in their favor.

MatchPlug Prediction For Chicago Cubs VS Arizona Diamondbacks

Game 1 was wild, but expect a tighter contest in Game 2. The Cubs have momentum, but Arizona has the edge on the mound with Burnes. If he finds his rhythm early, the Diamondbacks should bounce back.

Final Prediction: Diamondbacks Over/Under

MLB Expert Picks: San Diego Padres VS Houston Astros

The San Diego Padres hit the road to face the Houston Astros in the first of a three-game series at Daikin Park. Read our preview of the Diego Padres VS Houston Astros.
The Padres are red-hot at 15-4, while the Astros are still searching for consistency at 8-10. Matchplug has the odds, preview, and prediction for this exciting Friday night matchup.

The game is scheduled for 00:10 AM on Saturday.

Betting Preview for San Diego Padres VS Houston Astros

Venue: Daikin Park, Houston
Date: Sunday, April 20th, 2025
Time: 00:10 AM
Teams: San Diego Padres VS Houston Astros
Odds provided by 1XBet

Betting On The San Diego Padres

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.848
1XBet Over/Under: Over 7.5

San Diego enters this series on fire, with the best record in the league and a dominant offense. They lead the MLB with a .274 team batting average and their pitching has also been excellent, ranking near the top with a 2.56 ERA and holding opponents to a .193 average.

Kyle Hart gets the start for the Padres. He’s 2-0 through three starts with a 5.40 ERA, but his solid 1.11 WHIP suggests better control than the ERA shows. With San Diego’s deep lineup backing him, the Padres are in a strong position to take Game One.

Betting On The Houston Astros

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.02
1XBet Over/Under: Under 7.5

Houston has yet to build momentum this season. Through 18 games, they’ve never won back-to-back and are hitting just .216 as a team. The pitching has carried them with a 3.73 ERA and 181 strikeouts.

Ryan Gusto will open the game for Houston, likely as a short-inning starter. He hasn’t gone past four innings in any of his five appearances, so this looks like a bullpen game. Houston’s bullpen ERA of 2.94 is a bright spot, especially at home where they’ve been better.

MatchPlug Prediction For San Diego Padres VS Houston Astros

Houston is due for a bounce-back, but it’s hard to bet against a Padres team firing on all cylinders. With both strong pitching and the league’s top batting average, San Diego has the edge. The Astros’ bullpen might keep it close, but San Diego’s offense should eventually break through.

Final Prediction: Padres Over/Under

MLB Expert Picks: Phillies VS Miami Marlins

The Philadelphia Phillies dominated Game 1 against the Miami Marlins and now look to carry that momentum into Game 2 of the series on Saturday. Read our preview of the Phillies VS Miami Marlins.
Despite Miami starting their ace Alcántara, the Phillies exploded offensively and easily covered their favorite status. Matchplug breaks down the odds, preview, and prediction for Game 2.

First pitch is scheduled for Saturday at 6:05 PM ET.

Betting Preview for Philadelphia Phillies VS Miami Marlins

Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Time: 6:05 PM ET
Teams: Philadelphia Phillies VS Miami Marlins
Odds provided by 1XBet

Betting On The Philadelphia Phillies

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.44
1XBet Over/Under: Over 10.5

The Phillies offense is red-hot. They scored five runs in the first inning against the Giants earlier this week, and followed it up by tagging Alcántara for six runs in just two innings on Friday. Zach Wheeler’s 13-strikeout performance helped seal the blowout win.

Taijuan Walker will start for Philly. He’s struggled historically against the Marlins, giving up a home run in each of his last three starts against them. His most recent outing vs. Miami was a 0-5 loss last August despite Philly entering as heavy favorites.

Betting On The Miami Marlins

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.905
1XBet Over/Under: Under 10.5

Cal Quantrill gets the ball for Miami. He’s had an up-and-down start to 2025, but brings solid past form against the Phillies. In his last two starts vs. Philadelphia (while playing for Colorado), he posted quality outings.

If Quantrill can keep his command in check—after issuing five walks in his last game—the Marlins may keep this one close, especially with Walker’s tendency to allow the long ball.

MatchPlug Prediction For Philadelphia Phillies VS Miami Marlins

The Phillies are the better team on paper, but with Walker’s track record against the Marlins and Quantrill’s past success vs. Philly, this could be a closer game than the odds suggest. Expect runs on both sides.

Final Prediction: Phillies to win, Over 10.5

Football Expert Picks: Las Palmas VS Atletico Madrid

Las Palmas will continue their battle to avoid La Liga relegation with a tough home fixture against Atletico Madrid in Matchday 32 on Saturday. Read our preview of the Las Palmas vs Atletico Madrid.

The Rojiblancos are chasing a top-two finish, while Las Palmas are desperate to escape the drop zone. Matchplug has the odds and analysis for Las Palmas VS Atletico Madrid.

The match is scheduled for 08:00 PM on Saturday, April 19th, 2025.

Before making any picks, read below for Matchplug’s odds and preview.

Betting Preview for Las Palmas VS Atletico Madrid

Venue: Gran Canaria Stadium
Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Time: 08:00 PM
Teams: Las Palmas VS Atletico Madrid
Odds provided by 1XBet

Betting On Las Palmas

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 5.3
1XBet Over/Under: Over 2.5

Las Palmas earned a surprise 3-1 win away at Getafe last weekend, their first win in 13 matches across all competitions (D4, L9). That victory boosted their survival hopes, but their home form remains a big concern.

They’ve drawn two and lost four of their last six home games in La Liga, conceding 12 goals in that span. Alberto Moleiro could get a starting role after assisting in the last game, but goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is unlikely to feature.

Betting On Atletico Madrid

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.688
1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5

Atletico Madrid are in solid form, winning two straight games(4-2) against Valladolid and (2-1) against Sevilla. These results came after a poor run of five losses in six matches. However, they’ve still struggled away from home, winning just one of their last five road games.

In team news, De Paul and Samuel Lino remain doubtful. Griezmann missed initial training but is expected to be available.

Historically, Atletico have dominated this fixture—winning five of the last six meetings with four clean sheets.

MatchPlug Prediction For Las Palmas VS Atletico Madrid

Las Palmas finally got a win last week but still struggled at home. Atletico have found their rhythm again and should be too strong, even if they concede.

Final Prediction: Atletico Madrid Over/Under

Football Prediction Today: Barcelona vs Celta Vigo

Barcelona host Celta Vigo at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday in a high-stakes La Liga clash. Read our preview for the Barcelona vs Celta Vigo.

The kickoff is set for 3:00 PM ET. Matchplug has the best football picks for you. Read on to see our preview of this match.

Betting Preview for Barcelona VS Celta Vigo

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Teams: Barcelona VS Celta Vigo
Odds via 1XBet

Betting On Barcelona

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.286
1XBet Over/Under: Over 3.5

Barcelona remain four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table and have gone unbeaten in all 12 home league matches in 2025, winning nine. They’ve also scored at least three goals in six of their last seven home games, underlining their dominance.

Even without injured players like Balde, Casado, and Ter Stegen, the hosts have enough attacking power to cause problems. With the title race heating up, they’ll want to avoid dropping points here.

Betting On Celta Vigo

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Moneyline: 10.3
1XBet Over/Under: Under 3.5

Celta have been strong on the road lately, going unbeaten in their last four away games. But their record at Barcelona is poor. They have lost six of their last seven visits, conceding 19 goals in that stretch.

They’ll be without Carl Starfelt due to a hamstring injury, and Hugo Álvarez remains a doubt. With limited options at the back, containing Barça’s forwards could prove too tall a task.

MatchPlug Prediction For Barcelona VS Celta Vigo

Barcelona will want to respond after their midweek setback and should be too strong at home. While Celta could grab a goal, expect the league leaders to dominate the scoreboard.

Final Prediction: Barcelona Moneyline

Football Prediction: PSG VS Le Havre

PSG take on Le Havre in a Ligue 1 clash this Saturday at the Parc des Princes. The Parisians have already sealed the league title and have their sights set on European glory, while Le Havre are still battling to avoid relegation. Matchplug brings you the odds and analysis for PSG VS Le Havre.

The match is scheduled for 16:00 PM on Saturday, April 19th, 2025.

Before making any picks, read below for Matchplug’s odds and preview.

Betting Preview for PSG VS Le Havre

Venue: Parc des Princes
Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Time: 16:00 PM
Teams: PSG VS Le Havre
Odds provided by 1XBet

Betting On PSG

1XBet Spread: -2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.136
1XBet Over/Under: Over 3.5

PSG are coming off a dramatic UEFA Champions League quarter-final victory and are unbeaten in Ligue 1 for months. With the title secured, Luis Enrique might rotate, but the Parisians still have pride and form to defend.

They won the reverse fixture 4-1 after scoring three late goals and are unbeaten in their last three matches against Le Havre. Expect a mix of rested stars and fringe players hungry to impress.

Betting On Le Havre

1XBet Spread: +2.5
1XBet Moneyline: 21
1XBet Over/Under: Under 3.5

Le Havre are currently in the relegation play-off spot and desperate for points. They recently suffered a heavy 5-1 home defeat to Rennes and are just three points above the automatic relegation zone.

Despite their struggles, Le Havre gave PSG a real test in their last visit to Paris, forcing a 3-3 draw. If they bring that energy, they might cause problems again, especially with PSG possibly resting key names.

MatchPlug Prediction For PSG VS Le Havre

Le Havre will be motivated to attack, knowing a point or more could be crucial. That should open the game up, and while they might score, PSG’s quality(rotated or not) should still shine through.

Our prediction is for PSG to win on the Moneyline.

Final Prediction: PSG Moneyline

Jane Njoku