talkSPORT betting tips – Best football bets and expert advice for Monday 18 August

The first Monday Night Football offering of the new Premier League season comes from Elland Road as promoted Leeds United entertain Everton to bring down the curtain on the opening round of games.

The Whites will be aiming for a quick start on their own patch, while the Toffees are seeking a third consecutive away league victory after ending last season on a high.

There is La Liga action too as the Spanish domestic season opens, while Porto are on their travels in the Portuguese top-flight.

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Monday football tips

• Bet of the Day – Real Betis to beat Elche @ 11/10
• Special of the Day – FC Porto to win & BTTS vs Gil Vicente @ 13/5
• Long Shot of the Day – Jack Grealish anytime goalscorer vs Leeds @ 5/1

Bet of the Day – Real Betis to beat Elche @ 11/10

Real Betis are fancied to turn over last season’s Segunda Division runners-up Elche as they return to La Liga.

Eder Sarabia led Elche to their silver medals in the second tier, but the step up to La Liga will present a new challenge.

Betis qualified for Europe last season by finishing in sixth spot. The Andalusian outfit are led by the hugely experienced Manuel Pellegrini and they ended last season with some formidable away form.

Betis have scored 17 goals in their last nine La Liga away games. They are aiming to score for the 10th game in a row on the road and it could go a long way towards winning this contest.

Special of the Day – FC Porto to win & BTTS vs Gil Vicente @ 13/5

Gil Vicente were 2-0 winners at Nacional in their opening game of the season, but it was something of a smash and grab as their only two shots on target found the net.

Porto, meanwhile, had 17 attempts at goal, nine on target, and had an xG of 2.73 in taking care of Vitoria Guimares in their curtain-raiser.

There were 37 points between these clubs last season as Porto finished third and Gil Vicente were 14th, two spots above the relegation places.

Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings, the exception being Porto’s 3-0 home win last season.

Francesco Farioli’s side can land three points, but they might not have things all their own way.

Long Shot of the Day – Jack Grealish anytime goalscorer vs Leeds @ 5/1

Jack Grealish has found the chance to resurrect his career at Everton and the midfield schemer could thrive.

Grealish, still just 29, fell out of favour with Pep Guardiola after Manchester City’s treble-winning season of 2023/24 in which he was a very positive contributor.

He became a bit-part player last season as City were in a malaise and it was clear this summer the best thing was a change of scenery.

Grealish’s talents are unquestionable and he’s likely to be a focal point for Everton, similar to his time at Aston Villa when he netted 14 goals across his final two Premier League seasons with the club.

He could rekindle his fortunes quickly for the Toffees and should enjoy plenty of possession in the final third against newly-promoted Leeds in this curtain-raiser.

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