Expect some Drama in Friday's Curtain-Raisers: Accumulator Tips for August 15, 2025

This Friday, we shift our attention to the league openers across Europe. The English Premier League, Ligue 1, and La Liga have finally opened their doors for football enthusiasts. In the English Premier League curtain-raiser, defending champions Liverpool host Bournemouth, and Rennes welcome Marseille to the Roazhon Park in the Ligue 1 curtain-raiser. Lastly, the second fixture in La Liga sees Villarreal host newly promoted Real Oviedo.

Rennes vs. Marseille

Rennes finished four places above the relegation playoffs in 12th place. It was indeed a dismal campaign for a team that secured a tenth-place finish in the 2023-24 season.

Preparing for the current 2025-26 Ligue 1 season, the Rennais had to navigate seven preseason games. Their performance was very poor, winning just one of those outings (D4, L2).

Marseille finished as runners-up in the previous season. While they were a massive 19 points behind table-toppers Paris Saint-Germain, they managed to book themselves a ticket in this year's UEFA Champions League.

The Phocaeans put in an impressive performance in the preseason games as preparation for the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season. They went six games without defeat, recording three wins and three draws.

Meetings between Rennes and Marseille have been very entertaining. Goals tend to be on the menu, and I think we could see plenty of goalmouth action in this curtain-raiser. I'm backing over 2.5 goals in this encounter.

Rennes vs. Marseille Trends

Rennes have seen each of their last friendly home games end with over 2.5 goals.

Marseille have seen five of their last six away league games produce over 2.5 goals.

Rennes and Marseille have seen each of their last two league games end with over 2.5 goals.

• Bet Type: TO 2.5

Liverpool vs. Bournemouth

Liverpool managed to finish at the top of the English Premier League standings in the previous season. This saw them clinch their first league title since the 2019-20 season and their 20th overall. In the current campaign, the goal is to defend their title.

In order to do that, they have made seven notable signings. However, those new additions weren't enough to see them avoid defeat in the traditional curtain-raiser, losing 3-2 on penalties against FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, secured a ninth-place finish in the previous English Premier League season. This was a significant improvement for a side that finished in 12th place in the 2023-24 season.

The Cherries have been active in the transfer window, signing four players. They were sparsely involved in the pre-season games, navigating just two matches. Each of those outings ended in a draw.

Liverpool has dominated this fixture in recent times. I see them snatching three points in a comfortable win. The home team has strengthened its attacking department this season, and I see them winning by a two-goal margin here.

Liverpool vs. Bournemouth trends.

Liverpool have won each of their last three matches against Bournemouth by a two-goal margin.

Bournemouth have lost each of their last three away league games against Liverpool by a two-goal margin.

Liverpool have covered the -1.5 spread in five of their last six home league games against Bournemouth.

• Bet Type: W1 (-1.5)

Villarreal vs. Real Oviedo

Villareal finished in fifth place in the previous La Liga season. This was enough to see them earn a ticket in this year's UEFA Champions League participation.

Head coach Marcelino will be hoping for a positive result in the league opener. This comes after a dreadful display in the World Club Friendlies. They won just one of their last eight matches (D4, L3).

For the first time in 24 years, Real Oviedo are finally back in Spain's top-flight league. The visitors finished in third place in the Segunda Division within the promotion playoff spot.

In the promotion playoff final against Miandes, they managed to win 3-2 on aggregate. As preparation for the 2025-26 La Liga season, they played six games and managed just one win.

Villareal concluded last season with a six-match unbeaten run at home. They also won their final four matches. Such a record is enough to convince me that they can secure their first win in the league opener. Considering that they have won each of their last two matches against Real Oviedo, I'm expecting a comfortable win when all is said and done.

Villarreal vs. Real Oviedo trends.

Villareal are unbeaten in their last six home league games.

Real Oviedo have failed to win their last four matches against Villarreal.

Villarreal's last home league game against Real Oviedo was in 2000. They won that match 1-0.

• Bet Type: W1