Soccer enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to a packed schedule this Sunday, May 18, offering numerous opportunities for bettors. Several of the sport`s biggest names, including Lionel Messi, Bukayo Saka, and Romelu Lukaku, are set to feature in crucial games. Lukaku, in particular, aims to continue his impressive form when Napoli visits Parma on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET.
Lukaku`s contribution of 13 goals and 10 assists in league matches has been vital to Napoli holding a one-point lead over Inter Milan at the top of the Serie A standings. Odds are available for Lukaku to score or assist on Sunday. Napoli is also favored with money-line odds against Parma.
Additionally, Sunday`s MLS action includes two notable in-state rivalries: Inter Miami hosts Orlando City SC at 7 p.m. ET, and LAFC travels to face the LA Galaxy at 9 p.m. ET. With over 25 soccer games scheduled across various leagues, expert analysis is available to help identify valuable betting opportunities for May 18. Sports expert Brandt Sutton has analyzed the odds to assist with your Sunday soccer picks.
Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has served as a leading soccer editor for over six years. In 2023, he generated profits for subscribers across multiple leagues, including the Champions League, English Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup. He was also recognized as a top soccer expert in 2022.
Here are the expert`s top soccer picks and predictions for Sunday, May 18:
EPL: Arsenal vs. Newcastle – Under 2.5 goals (+112)
Both sides are competing for a top-four spot, which could result in a cautious encounter when Arsenal welcomes Newcastle. Arsenal also boasts the league`s strongest defense this season, having conceded only 33 goals. Historically, nine of the last ten meetings between these teams have featured Under 2.5 goals, a trend favored to continue on Sunday. The prediction is Under 2.5 goals at favorable odds of +112.
Serie A: Parma vs. Napoli – Under 2.5 goals (-104)
Napoli leads the Serie A table heading into Sunday`s match, thanks significantly to their disciplined defense. They have allowed only 27 goals over 36 league games and have kept clean sheets in four of their last five league outings. Parma managed just two shots on target in the previous fixture against Napoli. The prediction is Under 2.5 goals, offered at good odds of -104.
MLS: Inter Miami vs. Orlando City – BTTS & Over 2.5 goals (-135)
Both Inter Miami and Orlando City possess effective attacking units. They were tied for the second-highest number of goals scored in the Eastern Conference entering the weekend (24 each). Orlando City has scored 11 goals in their last three matches across all competitions, while Inter Miami has conceded seven goals in their last two league games. The prediction is for Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 goals, with odds at -135.
MLS: LAFC (+110) to win vs. LA Galaxy
Despite being the reigning MLS Cup champions, the LA Galaxy have had a difficult start to the season. They currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, winless in their first 13 matches. LAFC, conversely, has won six of its 13 league games and has been scoring frequently in recent weeks, netting two or more goals in their last four fixtures, including a dominant 4-0 win recently. The Galaxy`s recent loss and cross-country travel could also factor into their performance. The prediction is an LAFC victory at odds of +110.
