The return of elite level European football may still feel like a lifetime away, but there is still plenty of action to consider on Saturday.
In the UK there are a number of Scottish League Cup games, while further afield there is top-flight action from Sweden, Norway and Brazil and overnight there is a full round of MLS games.
Switzerland’s Super League returns and there are three fixtures from the opening round on Saturday, while Union SG and Club Brugge battle it out for silverware in Belgium’s Super Cup.
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Bet of the Day
Club Brugge to beat Union SG – 11/10
This will be the fifth meeting between these two sides since the turn of the year and Club Brugge have shaded it in terms of results, with two wins and one defeat.
Union SG did manage to overturn a deficit in a two-legged cup tie in that run – but since then Brugge have hit form as they went on to be crowned league champions by winning the Champions’ play-offs after finishing in fourth place in the regular season.
In contrast, Union finished at the top of the pile in the regular season, but then had to settle for second place, although they did claim the Belgian Cup.
The fact Brugge have won two of the last four meetings does suggest they can get the job done inside 90 minutes in the Super Cup.
The last clash between these sides finished 2-2 but Brugge were perhaps unlucky not to win on the day as they created far more chances and they can open the new season with some silverware.
Longshot of the day
Botafogo to win and both teams to score – 4/1
Botafogo threw away the title in Brazil last season and are looking to make amends this term as they lead the way after 17 rounds of fixtures.
Fogo have won each of their last four games and have an impressive home record in Serie A, with six wins and just one defeat in eight games.
With home advantage, the league leaders should be expected to beat an Internacional side who are winless in seven across all competitions, but a consolation goal for the visitors could be on the cards.
Internacional have scored in each of their last nine domestic games and in each of the last eight head to head meetings, so the boosted price of 4/1 on Fogo to win and concede appeals.
Special of the day
Chicago Fire to win at Inter Miami – 18/5
Inter Miami have been able to maintain their form without Lionel Messi, but they have ridden their luck at times.
Messi will miss the Saturday night visit of Chicago after suffering an ankle ligament injury at the Copa America, and the Fire may be able to take advantage.
The Fire have endured a poor season but are showing signs of recovery and they managed to stun an excellent Cincinnati side in midweek, claiming a 1-0 win on the road.
That result allowed Miami to move ahead of Cincy at the top of the Eastern Conference standings as they downed Toronto 3-1, but that scoreline perhaps flattered them as the Canadian outfit enjoyed some good chances in the first half.
Chicago have four points from their last two games and they look overpriced to beat an understrength Inter side this weekend.
Odds correct at time of publish and subject to change*
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