What a thrilling Monday of soccer action on May 5, 2025, with matches across Europe’s top leagues! From Crystal Palace’s clash with Nottingham Forest to Shamrock Rovers’ showdown in Ireland, we’ve got the sharpest betting picks, prop bets, and predicted outcomes to fuel your excitement. Dive into our expert analysis for the best 1st Half and full-game bets to maximize your winning potential!
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
Crystal Palace, playing at Selhurst Park, have been inconsistent but show flashes of brilliance with their attacking pace. Nottingham Forest, riding a solid defensive structure, previously edged Palace 1-0 in October 2024, suggesting a tight contest. Expect a cautious start, with Palace likely to push harder in the second half, but Forest’s counter-attacking threat could keep this close.
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: DRAW (+120) – Both teams tend to start cautiously, with Forest’s compact defense limiting early chances.
- BEST BET: Crystal Palace to Win (+125) – Given their close previous encounter and similar form, a stalemate is highly likely. However money movements towards Crystal Palace, make them our play.
- Prop Bet: Both Teams to Score – No (+100) – Forest’s defensive resilience and Palace’s struggles to convert could lead to a low-scoring affair.
- Prop Bet: CORRECT SCORE 1-0 Crystal Palace win (+750) – A tightly contested match with some lucky game winner
Genoa vs AC Milan (Serie A)
AC Milan, chasing the Serie A title, bring firepower with their dynamic attack, while Genoa’s gritty home form makes them tough to break down. Milan’s recent dominance in this fixture (winning their last three visits) suggests they’ll control possession, but Genoa’s counter-attacks could test Milan’s backline early.
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: AC Milan to Score (+110) – Milan’s attacking intent often yields early breakthroughs.
- BEST BET: AC Milan to Win (-140) – Milan’s superior quality should shine through, especially with their attacking depth.
- Prop Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-120) – Milan’s games often feature goals, and Genoa’s home resilience could contribute to a lively scoreline.
- Prop Bet: CORRECT SCORE 1-2 AC Milan (+750) – Milan’s class prevails, but Genoa grabs a consolation.
Girona vs Mallorca (La Liga)
Girona, known for their high-pressing style, face a Mallorca side that thrives on defensive solidity and set-piece threats. Girona’s home form is formidable, but Mallorca’s knack for grinding out results could make this a chess match. Both teams have seen BTTS in recent games, hinting at an open affair.
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: Draw (+100) – Expect a tactical, cagey opening as both sides feel each other out.
- BEST BET: DRAW (+230) – Girona need to win, but they haven’t won a single game in their last 8, and we don’t see them winning today.
SonderjyskE vs Aalborg BK (Danish Superliga)
SonderjyskE, mid-table and energized at home, face an Aalborg BK side that’s struggled on the road, often leaking goals. SonderjyskE’s aggressive approach should exploit Aalborg’s defensive frailties, making them favorites to dominate early and secure the win.
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: SonderjyskE to Lead at Halftime(+150) – SonderjyskE’s fast starts at home could overwhelm Aalborg.
- BEST BET: SonderjyskE to Win (+140) – Home form and Aalborg’s away struggles make SonderjyskE the clear pick.
- Prop Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-120) – SonderjyskE’s attack and Aalborg’s defensive issues suggest a goal-filled game.
Korona Kielce vs GKS Katowice (Polish Ekstraklasa)
Korona Kielce, with a solid home record, face a GKS Katowice, side maybe no longer directly battling relegation, but inconsistent away from home. Korona’s physical, direct style should overpower Katowice’s shaky defense, though the visitors may look to nick a goal on the counter. If you planning to do some IN PLAY betting, is worth to know that Korona Kielce have scored 42% of their goals after the 75th minute.
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: Over 1.5 Goals (+162) – Korona’s home aggression often leads to early strikes, and GKS likes early adrenaline as well.
- BEST BET: Korona Kielce to Win (+115) – Korona’s home strength should see them past Katowice.
- Prop Bet: OVER 2.5 Goals (-125) – Katowice’s should be able to score one, and that’s what it takes for Over.
Drogheda Utd vs Cork City (Irish Premier Division)
Drogheda United, fighting to avoid relegation, host a Cork City side with playoff aspirations. Drogheda’s home games are often scrappy, while Cork’s recent scoring form suggests they’ll test the hosts’ defense. This could be a tense, goal-heavy affair, but we should end up here with close result, we like Draw here.
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: DRAW (+110)
- BEST BET: DRAW (+250)
- BEST BET: Cork City +0.5 Handicap (+110) – Cork’s momentum gives them the edge in a close contest.
- Prop Bet: Both Teams to Score (+100) – Drogheda’s desperation and Cork’s attack point to goals for both.
Galway Utd vs Bohemians (Irish Premier Division)
Galway United, strong at home, face a Bohemians side that’s been inconsistent but dangerous in attack. Galway’s organized defense meets Bohemians’ flair, setting up a balanced contest where set-pieces could be decisive.
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: DRAW (+105) – A cautious start is likely as both teams prioritize structure.
- BEST BET: DRAW (230)
- Prop Bet: Under 2.5 Goals (-130) – Both teams’ defensive setups suggest a low-scoring game.
Shelbourne vs Waterford (Irish Premier Division)
Shelbourne, chasing the Irish title, are formidable at home, but they won only one match in their last six, while Waterford’s inconsistent away form makes them underdogs. Shelbourne’s disciplined approach should control the game, though Waterford’s counter-attacks could create chances. Keep in mind Waterford won their last two game 2-1 away in Bohemians, and at home vs Derry City. Waterford recent form may indicate some upset here, but money movement clearly pointing on Shelbourne
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: Shelbourne to Lead at Halftime (+105) – Shelbourne’s strong starts at home could see them ahead early.
- Prop Bet: Both Teams To Score YES (+110)
Shamrock Rovers vs Sligo Rovers (Irish Premier Division)
Shamrock Rovers, perennial contenders, face a Sligo Rovers side that’s struggled on the road. Shamrock’s attacking depth and home dominance should overwhelm Sligo, who may look to frustrate with a deep defensive line.
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: Shamrock Rovers to Win 1st Half (-120) – Shamrock’s aggressive home starts often yield early goals.
- Prop Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-140) – Shamrock’s attack and Sligo’s defensive lapses could lead to goals.
Derry City vs St. Patricks (Irish Premier Division)
Derry City, strong at home, face a St. Patricks side with a mixed away record but capable of upsets. Derry’s high-pressing game should create chances, though St. Pat’s counter-attacking threat could keep this competitive.
- BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: Derry City to Score (+120) – Derry’s home aggression often leads to early breakthroughs.
- Prop Bet: Both Teams to Score YES (-106) – St. Pat’s attacking threat could see them score despite Derry’s dominance.
- Prop Bet: CORRECT SCORE 2-1 Derry City (+900) – Derry wins a close, entertaining match.
AVS vs Boavista (Portuguese Primeira Liga)
AVS, newly promoted, have shown resilience at home, while Boavista’s inconsistent form makes them vulnerable. AVS’s direct style could trouble Boavista’s shaky defense, but the visitors’ experience might keep this tight.
- BEST BET: AVS to Win (+135) – AVS’s home energy could edge out Boavista’s inconsistency.
- Prop Bet: Under 2.5 Goals (-140) – Both teams’ defensive tendencies suggest a low-scoring game.
- Prop Bet: CORRECT SCORE 1-0 AVS (+600) – AVS grinds out a narrow home victory.
Malmo FF vs. Brommapojkarna (Allsvenskan)
Malmo FF, the Allsvenskan powerhouse, enter this match as heavy favorites at Eleda Stadion, boasting a dominant home record and a 14-0-4 head-to-head record against Brommapojkarna in their last 18 meetings. Malmo’s attacking prowess, led by Hugo Bolin and Isaac Kiese Thelin, has seen them score in 17 consecutive games, while their defense has conceded just four goals in their last six matches. Brommapojkarna, mid-table with a 40% win rate, struggle on the road and have been scored against in five of their last six games. Expect Malmo to control possession early and capitalize on their home advantage, though Brommapojkarna’s counterattacks could lead to a goal.
BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: MALMO FF TO SCORE OVER 0.5 GOALS (-150)
Malmo’s aggressive start at home, combined with Brommapojkarna’s defensive vulnerabilities, makes it likely that the hosts will find the net before halftime.
BEST BET: MALMO FF -1.5 ASIAN HANDICAP (+105)
Malmo’s historical dominance and current form suggest a comfortable victory by two or more goals, covering the -1.5 handicap.
Elfsborg vs. GAIS (Allsvenskan)
Elfsborg, despite a recent five-game losing streak, host GAIS at Borås Arena in a bid to turn their fortunes around. GAIS, fresh off a 1-1 draw against Brommapojkarna, have shown resilience on the road but struggle to convert chances, with only two shots on target in their last outing. Elfsborg’s home advantage and historical edge (they’ve won 16 of 56 meetings against GAIS) give them a slight edge, but their inability to score in the second half of their last six games raises concerns. This match could be tight, with both teams likely to prioritize defense early.
BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: UNDER 1.5 GOALS (-120)
Given Elfsborg’s recent scoring drought and GAIS’s low shot accuracy, the first half is likely to be cagey with limited goalmouth action.
BEST BET: DRAW (+245)
Elfsborg’s desperation to snap their losing streak, combined with home support, makes them the smarter pick to edge out GAIS. However GAIS is specializing in DRAWs, 4 out of their last 6 games ended as tie, and that includes last 3, so we like them to splits point today as well.
Prop Bet: ELFSBORG OVER 4.5 CORNERS (-110)
Elfsborg’s attacking intent at home should lead to multiple set-piece opportunities, especially against a GAIS side that concedes corners regularly.
Castellon vs. Sporting Gijon (La Liga 2)
In Spain’s second tier, Castellon host Sporting Gijon in a matchup of two sides with contrasting ambitions. Castellon, newly promoted, have shown grit at home but lack consistency, while Sporting Gijon, pushing for promotion, boast a balanced attack led by players like Victor Campuzano. Recent form suggests a low-scoring affair, as Castellon’s home games often see fewer than 2.5 goals, and Gijon’s away matches tend to be tight. Expect a tactical battle with both teams cautious in the opening stages.
BEST BET FOR 1ST HALF: DRAW (+100)
Both teams are likely to feel each other out early, with Castellon’s defensive setup and Gijon’s measured approach pointing to a level score at halftime.
BEST BET: UNDER 2.5 GOALS (+120)
The defensive tendencies of both sides, combined with their recent low-scoring encounters, make this a strong bet for a game with limited goals.
Prop Bet: NO GOAL BEFORE 30:00 (+110)
Given the expected cautious start, it’s unlikely either team will score in the first half-hour, as both prioritize structure over early risks.
Prop Bet: CORRECT SCORE Castellon 1-1 Sporting Gijon (+650)
A draw is the most likely result, with both teams canceling each other out in a closely fought contest
Conclusion:
May 5, 2025, promises a feast of soccer action with opportunities for savvy bettors. From Shelbourne’s title charge to AC Milan’s Serie A push, our picks highlight the best 1st Half and full-game bets, alongside juicy prop bets to spice up your wagering. Stay sharp, bet smart, and enjoy the beautiful game!
