With some of Europe’s elite returning from their short festive stints this weekend, we’re treated to a stacked first Saturday of 2026 from across the continent.
In addition to a quartet of Premier League clashes, we also have some heavyweight battles from the likes of La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga.
So for those of you who like to gamble on Saturdays, we’ve taken a look at some of the most eye-catching Saturday bets.
11:30 Como vs Udinese
While Como might have started December with back-to-back Serie A defeats, Cesc Fabregas’ men ended 2025 with a real flurry. As he powered his way to a routine 3-0 draw in Lecce, the former Arsenal captain has seen his side receive a string of plaudits from across the continent. While they were in the European spots on New Year’s Day, the Lombardy team also knew they could be within touching distance of the Champions League places this weekend. Como ended November with a 2-0 win against Sassuolo and have also built a real reputation for their continued dominance on home soil. Including a famous 2-0 win against Italian icons Juventus on October 19, Fabregas’ side are unbeaten in all their first nine clashes at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in all competitions. It should also be emphasized that Saturday’s hosts in Lombardy have suffered just one Serie A defeat in the last eleven months.
Although Udinese pulled off a sensational upset last month when they recorded a 1-0 win at home to reigning Italian champions Napoli, the Little Zebras have once again drastically struggled to find any form of stability. After a nightmare 5-1 defeat at the hands of relegation side Fiorentina last month, Kosta Runjaic’s side have sacrificed their place in the top half of the Serie A standings. With their Coppa Italia adventure coming to a routine end on December 2 when they were hit by a 2-0 defeat to Juventus, Saturday’s guests have won just a few of their previous eight clashes against top opponents. Udinese mark their return from the November international break with a 3-0 defeat at home to Bologna and should also have concerns ahead of their most recent encounter against Como. After slumping to a 4-1 defeat at Lombardy 12 months ago, we’re backing a similar home win here.
Como vs Udinese Betting Tip: Nico Paz scores anytime @ 2/1 with Pribet
12:30 Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Ultimately, Aston Villa fell to a 4-1 thumping at leading title contenders Arsenal earlier this week and will be looking for an immediate response here. Nevertheless, despite their record-breaking purple patch coming to an abrupt end in North London, Unai Emery’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high and have deservedly received a raft of praise from across the continent. By winning each of the other 11 games in all competitions, the former PSG boss sees his side clinched the bronze medal and firmly in the driver’s seat to book a lucrative Champions League ticket in 2026. Saturday’s hosts were last seen at Villa Park with a 2-1 win against Manchester United and have built a fearsome reputation for their dominance on home soil. In fact, Villa have won all of their last ten consecutive encounters in front of their own supporters – a streak that stretches all the way back to August 31.
While Nottingham Forest may have received an immediate boost following Sean Dyche’s arrival at the City Ground in October, the Reds have once again shown some real problems. Last seen earlier this week when they put in a worrying performance on home soil as they lost 2-0 to Everton, Saturday’s guests are still looking resolutely over their shoulders at a looming relegation scandal. Similarly, including a 1-0 away defeat at Fulham on December 22, Forest have lost each of their previous three consecutive Premier League appearances. As they endure their worst rut since the ex-Burnley boss arrived in Nottingham, the relegation scrappers are also looking for a crucial clinical edge in the final third. It must be emphasized that Forest have registered just one Premier League goal in over 280 minutes of Premier League action. Losing each of their last three consecutive trips to Villa Park by an aggregate score of 8-3, Dyche’s side were ready for what is another stern test here.
Betting tip for Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: Aston Villa to win & Under 4.5 goals @ 23/20 with Luckster
Saturday the European Doubles
- Como vs Udinese – Nico Paz scores anytime @ 2/1
- Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest – Aston Villa wins by less than 4.5 goals on 23/20
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