A new dawn across Europe: Accumulator Tips for August 08

Actions begin in most of the top leagues in England this weekend. Gaziantep and Galatasaray will set the stage rolling in Turkey, Birmingham and Ipswich will open action in the Championship, while Casa Pia and Sporting Lisbon will kickstart action in Portugal. Below are three selected games from the tournament with expert views, predictions, and odds.

Gaziantep vs Galatasaray

Gaziantep escaped relegation by just eight points last season and will have a start of the season that they had rather not have if they have the means. Facing a league champion comes with a lot of challenges, and a team that is winless in their last nine game in all competition brings another difficulty. The hosts have not secured a win since last April when they recorded a 2-1 win over Hatayspor. On the other hand, Galatasaray secured a record-extending 25th league title last season and have not relaxed in their preparation for this season, having won four of their five friendly games ahead of this season. They have also done well in the transfer window, having secured the signing of Leroy Sane on a free transfer and a record-breaking signing of Victor Osimhen for €75 million. With the addition of these two players, the latter breaking the league transfer record, the visitors enter this season with the mentality of retaining their league title. Statistically, the hosts are winless in their last nine games, while the defending champions have won 15 of their last 16 games. Moreover, Gala won the last six games against Gaziantep.

Possible Starting Lineup

Gaziantep (4-2-3-1) — Mustafa Burak Bozan (GK), Deian Sorescu, Semih Guler, Arda Kizildag, Salem M'Bakata, Furkan Soyalp, Ogün Özcicek, Christopher Lungoyi, Alexandru Maxim, Kacper Kozlowski, Emmanuel Boateng.

Galatasaray (4-2-3-1) — Günay Güvenc (GK), Roland Sallai, Davinson Sánchez, Abdlkerim Bardakci, Berkan Kutlu, Kaan Ayhan, Ahmed Kutucu, Roland Sallai, Leroy Sané, Victor Osimhen.

• Bet: W2

Birmingham vs Ipswich

Last season's League One champions, Birmingham, will begin their fight in the Championship against last season's Premier League side, Ipswich, at St. Andrew's. The hosts were exceptional last season, having gone the entire season without a home loss. The hosts have intensified efforts in adding players to their squad, having already signed Kyogo Furuhashi, Taylor Gardner-Hickman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Phil Neumann, Kanya Fujimoto, Demarai Gray, and Alfons Sampsted, while James Beadle, Eiran Cashin, and Tommy Doyle were signed on loan deals. The hosts are unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 games, including 10 wins, and remain unbeaten in their last seven home games against Ipswich. On the other hand, Ipswich have not seen a win in their last eight games in all competitions, losing six of those games. With this, I think the hosts should get the work done in their quest for promotion.

Possible Starting Lineup

Birmingham (4-3-3) — Ryan Allsop (GK), Bright Osayi-Samuel, Christoph Klarer, Phil Neumann, Alex Cochrane, Tomoki Iwata, Seung-ho Paik, Tommy Doyle, Demarai Gray, Keshi Anderson, Jay Stansfield.

Ipswich (4-2-3-1) — Alex Palmer (GK), Benjamin Johnson, Dara O'Shea, Jacob Greaves, Ashley Young, Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor, Jaden Philogene, Samuel Szmodics, Jack Clarke, George Hirst.

• Bet: W1

Casa Pia vs Sporting Lisbon

Sporting Lisbon will begin their title defence when they travel to Estadio Municipal de Rio Maior to tackle Casa Pia. The hosts will be hoping for a great start to the season, but the impressive run of the visitors might be a big hindrance to this. The defending champions will be all out for their third successive league title despite the departure of key players like Viktor Gyokeres. In 2025, Sporting have not lost a league game to bring their unbeaten run to 21 straight games. With this, I see an easy win for the defending champions.

Possible Starting Lineup

Casa Pia (3-4-3) — Patrick Sequeira (GK), Jose Fonte, Joao Goulart, Duplexe Tchamba, Gaizka Larrazabal, Sebastian Perez, Pablo, Fahem Benaissa-Yahia, Kelian Wa Saka, Cassiano, Jeremy Livolant.

Sporting (4-3-3) — Rui Silva (GK), Gonçalo Inácio, Zeno Debast, Nuno Santos, Iván Fresneda, Morten Hjulmand, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Hidemasa Morita, Pedro Gonçalves, Conrad Harder, Geny Catamo.

• Bet: W2