talkSPORT tips – Best football bets and expert advice on Friday 20 March

Mar 20, 2026 - 08:30
talkSPORT tips – Best football bets and expert advice on Friday 20 March

The Premier League action begins early this week with the Friday Night Football offering seeing Manchester United head to the south coast to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

There is also Championship action as Stoke visit Preston as well as top-flight games from France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Our best bets for Friday’s action are below.

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Friday football tips

Bet of the Day – Lens -1 vs Angers @ 4/5

Lens are the only danger to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 dominance, but Pierre Sage’s side have started to wobble recently.

Two defeats and a draw in their last four games means Lens welcome Angers on Friday night a point behind the league leaders and having played a game more than Luis Enrique’s PSG.

Still, there is no opportunity to dwell on recent form as they know a win over mid-table Angers will send them top of the table, at least on a short term basis.

Lens have conceded just 23 goals in 26 games in the French top-flight, while Angers have scored only 23 times in their 26 games – the fourth-lowest tally in Ligue 1.

Lens have won the last six Ligue 1 meetings and can do so again, likely with a bit to spare, ensuring they appeal on the handicap line.

Bet Builder – Both teams to score in Bournemouth vs Manchester United, Over 9.5 corners & Matheus Cunha 2+ shots on target @ 18/5

Manchester United travel to Bournemouth aiming to keep their place in the Premier League’s top three. Last weekend’s win over Aston Villa was big for the Red Devils and interim boss Michael Carrick, but a visit to the south coast won’t be easy.

The Cherries’ 10-game unbeaten run is the longest in the division and they have also gone five competitive games without a defeat to United.

The sides played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at Old Trafford in December, ensuring 20 goals have been scored in their last five league meetings.

Andoni Iraola’s side have blanked in three of their last four games, but the Red Devils have just three shutouts in 13 games and both to score here appeals.

Bournemouth’s Premier League encounters this season are averaging 10.90 corners-per-game, the third-highest in the league and there were 15 flag-kicks when these sides met here last season.

Matheus Cunha had eight shots at goal in that pre-Christmas clash at Old Trafford, with three on target and one goal. The Brazilian ended a five-game drought when he netted last weekend and can get multiple shots on the Bournemouth goal here.

Acca – Preston vs Stoke Draw, RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim Draw & Napoli to beat Cagliari @ 18/1

Preston’s season has fizzled out badly, with just one Championship win in 12 attempts since mid-January. They have slipped to 17th, but should be safe from relegation worries with a few more points on the board.

Stoke’s win over Watford was a first in four games and the Potteries’ side are also marooned in mid-table. The previous three Championship meetings have ended all square and a similar outcome looks likely at Deepdale.

Stalemate too in Germany is the forecast as third-placed Hoffenheim travel to fifth-placed RB Leipzig.

Just three points separate the pair, with Hoffenheim beaten just twice in 13 away Bundesliga games.

Leipzig’s strong home record has taken a beating recently, with just one win from the last five and their hopes of a fifth straight Bundesliga home win over Hoffenheim could fall short.

In Serie A, Napoli will be going for four wins on the bounce when they travel to face a Cagliari side who are winless in six and Antonio Conte’s side should get the job done.

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Odds correct at time of publish and subject to change*


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