The new football season wastes no time in serving up heavyweight action, with European champions and domestic giants both in focus this Friday.

In Germany, Bayern Munich open the defence of their Bundesliga title at the Allianz Arena against Stuttgart, looking to continue a dominant head-to-head run.

Across the channel, newly crowned UEFA Conference League winners Crystal Palace host a Manchester City side under new management, but with a formidable record at Selhurst Park.

Event #1 – German Bundesliga

Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart

Bayern Munich begins the defence of their Bundesliga crown with a home clash against rivals Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena today.

The German champions stormed to last season’s title, finishing 16 points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, and they also opened the new campaign in style by defeating Dortmund in the Super Cup last week. Having strengthened their squad with the signing of Moroccan star Ismael Saibari, following his impressive World Cup performances, Bayern head into this encounter full of confidence and will look to extend their dominance over Stuttgart.

History is also on Bayern’s side. The Bavarians have never lost a Bundesliga season opener played on a Friday, winning 19 and drawing five of their 24 such matches.

Stuttgart arrive in Munich with confidence boosted after a convincing 4-0 victory over Hansa Rostock in the DFB Cup last weekend. However, their recent record against Bayern makes for grim reading. Stuttgart lost all four meetings between the sides last season, including a 4-2 defeat at the Allianz Arena and a 3-0 loss in the DFB Cup final.

With Bayern traditionally strong at home and Stuttgart struggling in this fixture, the champions will be expected to begin their title defence with all three points.

Key Stats

• Bayern Munich has won their last six meetings with Stuttgart.

• Stuttgart lost their opening Bundesliga match last season, falling 2-1 away to Union Berlin.

• Bayern Munich won their opening league match last season, defeating RB Leipzig 6-0 at home.

Manchester City’s Ghanaian midfielder Antoine Semenyo (atop) and Bournemouth’s English defender Adam Smith fight for the ball during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west England, on August 23, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

• Sixteen of Stuttgart’s last 18 away matches have produced over 2.5 goals.

Betting Tips

• Primary Pick: Bayern Munich to Win

• Alternative: Bayern Munich & Over 2.5 Goals

• Value Bet: Bayern Munich to Win 4-1 Correct Score

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Preview & Betting Tips

Friday, August 28, 2026 – 2:00 PM

Newly crowned UEFA Conference League champions, Crystal Palace, welcome Manchester City to Selhurst Park in one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League weekend.

Palace enjoyed a historic campaign last season, capped by a 1-0 victory over Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final. However, their new league campaign began disappointingly with a 2-0 defeat away to Everton. The Eagles also ended preseason on a sour note with a 3-0 loss to Freiburg, raising concerns ahead of the visit of one of their most difficult opponents.

Manchester City has entered a new era following Pep Guardiola’s departure during the summer. Former assistant Enzo Maresca has taken charge and made a winning start, guiding City to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth, after trailing until the 85th minute.

The visitors will take further confidence from their outstanding record in this fixture. City defeated Palace 3-0 when the teams last met and have not lost a Premier League match at Selhurst Park since December 2015. Their dominance over the Eagles has been remarkable, particularly away from home.

Given Palace’s recent struggles and City’s strong historical record, the visitors will fancy their chances of securing another important three points.

Key Stats

• Each of the last six meetings between the sides has produced over 2.5 goals.

• Manchester City has not lost a Premier League match at Crystal Palace since December 2015.

• Over 3.5 goals have been scored in each of the last six meetings.

• Crystal Palace has conceded five goals across their last two matches.

• Manchester City is unbeaten in their last 11 league visits to Selhurst Park, winning eight of those matches.

Betting Tips

• Primary Pick: Manchester City to Win

• Alternative: Manchester City & Over 2.5 Goals

• Value Bet: Manchester City to Win 2-0 Correct Score

JustBet Best Double

• Bayern Munich to Win

• Manchester City to Win

Combined Odds: Approximately 1.94

A $1,000 stake would return approximately $1,940, including stake.

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