Friday Wins & Premier League Kickoff: August Betting Momentum Continues

Friday night was another winning night, as August continues to roll in the dough for BrownBagBets. Our strategic approach is paying off, and we’re keeping the momentum strong as we head into the weekend.

Tomorrow brings a feast of action with 6 English Premier League games on tap. The Premier League is back, and it’s returning with all the hype and drama we’ve come to expect. Every end of the table has its own story to tell, but the headliner of the weekend is undoubtedly at Stamford Bridge. Manchester City faces off against big spenders Chelsea in what is set to be a thrilling encounter. Whether you’re a fan of the beautiful game or a bettor looking for value, this match is one to watch.

But that’s not all—there’s plenty of Major League Baseball action as well. The summer slate is packed with opportunities, and we’re here to help you navigate it all with precision. As always, we’ll provide the insights and guidance you need to make informed bets and keep your bankroll growing.

Let’s keep the winning streak going, and as always, let’s get this money!

English Premier League: Liverpool at Ipswich

Defensive Strength

Liverpool boasts a strong defensive record, particularly against lower-tier teams. With top defenders such as Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker, they are well-equipped to maintain clean sheets. This is especially relevant when facing teams like Ipswich, who have recently been promoted and may struggle to breach Liverpool’s well-organized defense.

Quality Gap

The disparity in quality between Liverpool and Ipswich is significant. Liverpool’s superior defensive capabilities and overall team strength make them well-positioned to prevent goals from Ipswich, whose offensive prowess may not match the level required to challenge Liverpool effectively.

Bet: Liverpool Win to Nil @ +145 / Wager: 1%

Given Liverpool’s defensive solidity and the quality gap between the teams, a 1% wager on Liverpool to win to nil offers value.

English Premier League: Brighton at Everton

Brighton’s Attacking Prowess

Under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton has embraced a dynamic attacking style, featuring players like Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck who are adept at creating and converting chances. Their strong possession and forward play make them likely to score in most matches.

Everton’s Counter-Attack

Despite some struggles, Everton has shown signs of improvement in attack. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray are key players who can capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities, especially against possession-heavy teams like Brighton.

Bet: Both Teams to Score - Yes / Wager: 1%

Given Brighton’s attacking strength and Everton’s ability to exploit counter-attacking situations, a 1% wager on both teams to score is a reasonable choice.

English Premier League: Aston Villa at West Ham

Villa’s Historical Advantage

Aston Villa's form in the league has been strong historically, and despite competitive matches with West Ham, Villa’s past performances suggest they can thrive in this fixture. The +165 odds offer significant value for a team with a solid track record.

West Ham’s Transition

West Ham is adapting to new tactics and integrating several new players, which could lead to inconsistencies early in the season. This transitional phase makes them vulnerable, especially against a well-prepared Villa side.

Bet: Villa ML @ +165 / Wager: 1%

With Aston Villa’s historical advantage and West Ham’s current transitional phase, a 1% wager on Villa to win is a valuable play.

MLB: Seattle Mariners at Pittsburgh Pirates

Offensive Struggles

The Mariners' offense has been underperforming, scoring just 8 runs across their last four games of a losing road trip. They face off against the Pirates, who have had their own issues, but Bailey Falter on the mound provides an opportunity to contain the Mariners’ bats.

Pitching Matchup

Luis Castillo, with a strong 2.27 ERA since early July, should help keep the game low-scoring. However, the Mariners' offense remains inconsistent, and Bailey Falter’s performance will be key for the Pirates to avoid a blowout.

Bet: Under 8.5 / Wager: 3%

Given the Mariners' recent offensive struggles and Castillo’s solid form, a 3% wager on the Under 8.5 seems prudent for a low-scoring affair.

Bet: Pirates +1.5 / Wager: 3%

The Pirates have shown resilience at home, and with Castillo's worse road splits, the +1.5 runline provides value in a game that could be closely contested.

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago Cubs

Pitching Advantage

Chris Bassitt and Justin Steele are set to duel, with both pitchers showcasing the potential for solid performances. Bassitt has been consistent, while Steele has shown flashes of brilliance, making this matchup intriguing.

Weather Conditions

The winds are expected to blow in at Wrigley Field, which traditionally helps suppress scoring. Combined with a dreary day, this adds to the likelihood of a lower-scoring game.

Bet: Under 8.5 / Wager: 3%

Given the expected weather conditions and the unpredictable nature of both lineups, a 3% wager on the Under 8.5 is advisable to capitalize on a potentially low-scoring game.

MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Tampa Bay Rays

Current Form

The Diamondbacks have been on a strong run since the All-Star break, boasting a 20-6 record. Despite this, they have struggled against the Rays recently, losing their last three matchups. Zac Gallen, a key player for the D-Backs, has been solid, though his recent road performance shows vulnerability.

Pitching Insights

Jeffrey Springs has been effective at home, limiting runs and showcasing strong performance. However, Gallen’s recent road outing, where he allowed five runs, highlights potential weaknesses.

Bet: Over 7 / Wager: 4%

Given the Diamondbacks’ strong form and the potential for both pitchers to give up runs, a 4% wager on the Over 7 is justified, considering the possibility of a higher-scoring game despite recent trends.

MLB: Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies

Pitching Trends

Mackenzie Gore has consistently contributed to high-scoring games, allowing between 3 to 6 runs in eight of his last nine starts, resulting in overs. Christopher Sanchez has also been prone to high runs, conceding seven runs in his last outing and six runs in a previous start against the Yankees.

Recent Form

The Phillies are on a winning streak, having won three consecutive games and showing strong offensive performance in the first two games of that streak.

Bet: Over 9 / Wager: 5%

Considering the recent form of both pitchers and the Phillies’ strong offensive showing, a 5% wager on the Over 9 is advisable for a game likely to see plenty of runs.

MLB: Kansas City Royals at Cincinnati Reds

Pitching Matchup

Michael Wacha has been exceptional recently, boasting a 2.55 ERA in his last nine starts dating back to June 22. The Royals have won his last three outings. On the other hand, Nick Lodolo has been inconsistent, with a 4.99 ERA at Great American Ballpark this season.

Recent Performance

The Royals dominated 7-1 in the series opener, showcasing strong pitching and offensive support. Wacha’s current form and the Royals’ recent success make them a solid pick.

Bet: Royals ML @ +110 / Wager: 5%

Given Wacha’s strong performance and the Royals’ recent victory, a 5% wager on the Royals to win is a value play, especially with the favorable odds.

MLB: San Francisco Giants at Oakland Athletics

Pitching Mismatch

Osvaldo Bido has been solid for the A’s, allowing two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts. In contrast, Giants rookie Hayden Birdsong has struggled mightily, with a 17.05 ERA in his last two starts, giving up four home runs in just 6 1/3 innings.

Recent Form

The A’s have been performing well since just before the All-Star break, with a 16-9 record and a recent series win against the Mets. The Giants’ current pitching situation, coupled with Bido’s form, suggests that the A’s are the more reliable pick.

Bet: Athletics ML @ +105 / Wager: 5%

Given the pitching disparity and the A’s recent strong performance, a 5% wager on the Athletics to win offers good value.