Sunday, May 18, promises a packed schedule for soccer fans worldwide, offering plenty of betting opportunities. Top players like Lionel Messi, Bukayo Saka, and Romelu Lukaku are set to feature in key matches. Romelu Lukaku aims to continue his strong season when Napoli plays Parma on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET.
Lukaku`s 13 goals and 10 assists in the league have been crucial, helping Napoli hold a one-point lead over Inter Milan in Serie A. Lukaku is priced at -155 to score or assist on Sunday, while Napoli is a -210 moneyline favorite against Parma.
Meanwhile, MLS sees two local rivalries on Sunday: Inter Miami hosts Orlando City SC at 7 p.m. ET, and LAFC visits the LA Galaxy at 9 p.m. ET. With many soccer games available for betting, sports expert Brandt Sutton from SportsLine offers his analysis and picks for Sunday, May 18.
Brandt Sutton, a former college player, has been SportsLine`s lead soccer analyst for over six years. He has a proven track record, showing profitability across various leagues in 2023 and being recognized as SportsLine`s top soccer expert in 2022 with a strong record.
Here are Brandt Sutton`s main soccer picks for Sunday, May 18:
Premier League: Arsenal vs. Newcastle – Bet: Under 2.5 total goals (+112)
Both teams are aiming for a top-four spot, suggesting a cautious match. Arsenal boasts a strong defense, having allowed only 33 goals this season – the fewest in the league. Historically, nine of the last ten encounters between these teams have finished with under 2.5 goals, a trend Sutton expects to continue.
Serie A: Parma vs. Napoli – Bet: Under 2.5 total goals (-104)
Napoli is leading Serie A, largely due to their solid defense, having conceded only 27 goals in 36 games. They`ve kept clean sheets in four of their last five league matches and face a Parma team that had only two shots on target in their previous meeting.
MLS: Inter Miami vs. Orlando City – Bet: Both Teams to Score (BTTS) & Over 2.5 total goals (-135)
Both sides have strong offenses, having scored 24 goals each in the league before this weekend, among the highest in the Eastern Conference. Orlando City has scored 11 goals in their last three matches in all competitions, while Inter Miami has allowed seven goals in their last two league games.
MLS: LAFC (+110) to win vs. LA Galaxy
Despite being the defending champions, the LA Galaxy have had a very poor start to the season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with no wins in their first 13 matches. LAFC, however, has won six of their 13 games and are in good attacking form, scoring two or more goals in their last four matches, including a recent 4-0 victory over Seattle. The Galaxy are also coming off a loss and cross-country travel, which could impact their performance.
