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Another weekend of blockbuster football is here, with major silverware and plenty of excitement at stake. Borussia Dortmund will face Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup, while Manchester City begin their Premier League campaign under new manager Enzo Maresca against Bournemouth, who enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 season and secured a place in European competition.
These high-profile clashes also bring plenty of betting opportunities on the Lucky Fish platform. But with so many markets to choose from, the key question is: which bets offer the best value without exposing you to unnecessary risk? Our preview and predictions below break down the top options.
Odds: 7/2 Borussia Dortmund | Draw 28/10 | Bayern Munich 6/10
Date: Saturday, 20 August 2026
Kick-off: 20:30
Expect a fascinating tactical battle between two teams with very different approaches. Dortmund will look to make the game intense, using aggressive pressing and quick transitions to put Bayern under pressure. Bayern, on the other hand, will want to control possession, move the ball patiently and use their attacking quality to create openings.
Dortmund will try to stop Bayern from playing comfortably through midfield and force them into mistakes. If Bayern can beat that first wave of pressure, however, you could see them create dangerous situations quickly, with their midfield and forwards finding plenty of space.
Harry Kane is the man to watch; he can cause problems in several different ways because he doesn't simply stay inside the penalty area. He often drops deeper to receive the ball, link up with teammates and create space for other attackers. Dortmund will have to decide whether to follow him or hold their defensive shape, and either choice could give Bayern an opportunity.
The wide areas could be another decisive part of the match. Michael Olise can create chances with his passing, movement and ability to cut inside, while Luis Díaz gives Bayern pace and directness. If Dortmund's full-backs push too far forward, you could see Bayern exploit the space behind them. If they stay deep, Dortmund may struggle to provide enough width when they attack.
For Dortmund, you should watch Serhou Guirassy closely. He is expected to give Bayern's defenders a physical battle, hold the ball up and take advantage of any chances that come his way. Jobe Bellingham is another player worth watching because his energy and ability to carry the ball could help Dortmund compete with Bayern in midfield.
Overall, we should expect Dortmund to make this a competitive game, particularly with the atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park behind them. However, Bayern have more attacking options and several ways of hurting the opposition. If Bayern can deal with Dortmund's pressing and find Kane, Olise and Díaz in dangerous positions, they should have enough quality to win.
My prediction is Borussia Dortmund 1–2 Bayern Munich.
Odds: 5/10 Manchester City | Draw 34/10 | Bournemouth 46/10
Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026
Kick-off: 15:00
Two sides in an intriguing tactical battle with very different approaches under new managers at the helm are set for an intense Premier League opener. City under Enzo Maresca are eyeing redemption after a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield, while Bournemouth under Marco Rose have recorded a mixed bag of results during their preseason friendlies.
A key battle will be how Bournemouth handle City's possession. City will look to use their midfielders to create passing options between the lines and stretch Bournemouth's defensive shape. If Bournemouth become too narrow or allow gaps to develop between midfield and defence, City's attackers could exploit those spaces and create dangerous chances.
Bournemouth's counter-attacking threat will be just as important with players including Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson. Their best opportunities could come immediately after winning possession, particularly if they can attack the space behind City's defensive line. City will therefore need to balance their attacking numbers carefully, as committing too many players forward could leave them vulnerable in transition.
Erling Haaland is the obvious player to watch. His movement inside the penalty area can cause major problems for Bournemouth's defenders, especially if City can consistently find him with crosses, through balls and passes into the box with capable players such as Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden. If Haaland receives enough quality service, he could prove decisive.
City's midfield will also be crucial. As the team adapts to a new tactical approach, controlling the centre of the pitch will be essential, especially without Rodri, who secured a move to Barcelona. Their midfielders will need to dictate the tempo, provide protection in front of the defence and prevent Bournemouth from turning recoveries of possession into dangerous counter-attacks.
For Bournemouth, the way Marco Rose sets up the team without the ball will be particularly interesting. Rather than simply defending deep, Bournemouth could look to press City high and force them into uncomfortable situations. Winning possession in advanced areas would give them opportunities to attack before City can reorganise.
Overall, City should expect to see more of the ball and create the majority of the chances, but Bournemouth have the energy, pace and pressing ability to make the contest competitive. If City move the ball quickly, control the midfield and consistently find Haaland in dangerous positions, they should have enough quality to take control of the match.
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