European Football Best Bets – August 29

Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action for the first time since their title triumph in the 2025/26 season. Last year, Bayern secured the trophy with a 16-point winning margin over Borussia Dortmund in second, and they doubled-down on this dominance with a 2-1 win over Dortmund in the Super Cup mere days ago. Heading into the new season, Bayern look in ominous form. While a 15-0 win over Rottach-Egern in pre-season should be taken with a pinch of salt, subsequent wins over Aston Villa, RB Leipzig and Dortmund are more valid as we look to see what they might bring this season. While the focus will be on winning the Champions League, Bayern will also be big favourites for the Bundesliga title, and I back them to storm to victory without conceding in their opener, something they achieved in a 3-0 win when they last met Stuttgart. 

Lille began their 2026/27 Ligue 1 campaign in solid style as they handed Angers a 2-0 defeat. While their opponents finished last season in 13th, meaning they are not currently seen as a side that will compete this time round, triumphing in the opening game on the road is something that should always be celebrated. While still very early in the season, this victory has seen Lille move up to third in Ligue 1, two points clear of PSG. While there is still plenty of time across the campaign, Lille will be licking their lips at the thought of moving five points clear of the reigning champions. However, Lille have hardly been prolific against PSG. Indeed, they have not beaten PSG since 2021, with their opponents winning eight times and two matches ending as draws during this run. While they have managed to score in 11 of their last 12 against the best side in France, I predict they will slump to a defeat in their first home game.