The new football season kicks off with a bang this weekend, and bettors have two mouth-watering match-ups to look forward to.

On Saturday, Atlanta United host New York Red Bulls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium looking to make it three wins in a row and avenge a 2-0 loss from their last meeting. Both teams come in hot off wins, but Atlanta’s shaky home form versus the Red Bulls’ goal-filled recent games sets up a potential thriller.

Then on Sunday, it’s trophy time as Arsenal and Manchester City meet in the Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. It’s the champions versus the FA Cup winners, and with City under new boss Enzo Maresca, both sides will want to make an early statement.

With JUSTBET odds live and goals expected in both games, it’s the perfect way to start the season.

Event #1 – MLS

Atlanta United vs New York Red Bulls

Saturday – 6:30 PM

Atlanta United and New York Red Bulls will go head-to-head in an eagerly anticipated Major League Soccer clash on Saturday, with both teams entering the contest on the back of impressive victories in their previous outings.

Atlanta United heads into this clash on the back of two consecutive wins and will be looking to make it three in a row. With confidence growing, the home side will be hoping to maintain its recent momentum and avenge its previous defeat against the Red Bulls, who recorded a 2-0 victory when the teams last met. However, Atlanta’s home form remains a concern, with the team winning just one of its last six league matches on home soil. That record could give the visitors confidence heading into Saturday’s encounter.

Meanwhile, New York Red Bulls will be looking to build on their recent results, after winning one of their last three MLS matches. Their away form has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw and three defeats from their last six matches on the road.

This fixture has traditionally been closely contested, with two of the last three meetings ending in draws. However, the Red Bulls will take confidence from their 2-0 victory in the most recent encounter between the sides.

Key Stats

• Atlanta United has lost four of their last five Major League Soccer matches while scoring fewer than 1.5 goals in each defeat.

• New York Red Bulls have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of their last 10 matches.

• Atlanta United has seen over 2.5 goals in six of their last eight home matches.

• New York Red Bulls have seen over 3.5 goals in five of their last seven matches.

Betting Tips

• Primary Pick: New York Red Bulls – Draw No Bet

• Alternative: Draw

Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush (right) scores his second goal past Atletico Madrid’s keeper Jan Oblak during their preseason exhibition friendly football match at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on August 9, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

• Value Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes

Event #2 – English Community Shield

Arsenal vs Manchester City

Sunday – 9:00 AM

The wait is finally over as the new English football season gets underway with the traditional Community Shield. Premier League champions Arsenal will face FA Cup winners Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday. The match kicks off at 9:00 am Jamaica time.

Although the Community Shield is traditionally viewed as the curtain-raiser to the new campaign, this fixture should carry plenty of competitive intensity. Both sides will see it as an opportunity to make an early statement ahead of the new Premier League season. For Arsenal, the match represents an opportunity to begin their title defense with a trophy, after an impressive domestic campaign. The Gunners will also be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last season’s Champions League final, where they were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, after the match finished level following extra time.

Manchester City, meanwhile, enters a new era under manager Enzo Maresca, following Pep Guardiola’s departure. The Community Shield therefore provides City with an early opportunity to demonstrate that they remain among the leading forces in English football, despite the change in the dugout. City will also take confidence from their recent head-to-head record against Arsenal. They defeated the Gunners 2-1 in the Premier League last season and also recorded a 2-0 victory in the 2026 EFL Cup final.

However, Arsenal has enjoyed success against City in the Community Shield, winning their most recent two meetings in the competition in 2014 and 2023. The 2023 encounter finished 1-1 before Arsenal prevailed on penalties.

The match will also be played at a neutral venue in Cardiff rather than Wembley, adding another interesting element to this year’s contest.

Key Stats

• Arsenal defeated Manchester City in their last two Community Shield meetings in 2014 and 2023.

• Manchester City has kept clean sheets in nine of their last 17 matches.

• Arsenal has won the first half in seven of their last nine matches.

• Arsenal has won 11 of their last 15 home matches.

• Manchester City has won nine of their last 12 matches.

Betting Tips

• Primary Pick: Arsenal or Draw – Double Chance

• Alternative: Arsenal – Draw No Bet

• Value Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes

JUSTBET ODDS – Atlanta vs New York Red Bulls

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Market Odds Potential Return (J$1,000 stake)

Atlanta to Win $1.81 $1,810

New York Red Bulls to Win $3.60 $3,600

Match Draw $3.80 $3,800

Correct Score: Atlanta 2-1 $8.50 $8,500

Correct Score: New York Red Bulls 3-2 $26.00 $26,000

Correct Score: 2-2 Draw $10.00 $10,000

JUSTBET ODDS – Arsenal vs Manchester City

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Market Odds Potential Return (J$1,000 stake)

Arsenal to Win $2.50 $2,500

Manchester City to Win $2.62 $2,620

Match Draw $3.33 $3,330

Correct Score: Arsenal 2-0 $13.00 $13,000

Correct Score: Manchester City 2-1 $10.00 $10,000

Correct Score: 1-1 Draw $6.00 $6,000

Note: Returns shown are based on a J$1,000 stake and include the original stake. Odds are subject to change. Please bet responsibly.