Carabao Cup and La Liga Best Bets: Expert Soccer Picks for 8/27
Written by: Nate Hornung
Last Update: Wed Aug 26, 2026, 4:20 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
soccer
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-1.5
-140
3
-120u
-401
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+1.75
-105
3
+107o
+1165
While Thursday has plenty of European action, with UEFA Europa League and Conference League qualifiers, our attention on the pitch will stay in England and Spain. There are two Carabao Cup matches, and we found a pick in the one at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Luton Town. Plus we have a couple of La Liga matches that our analysts found bets in as well. Check out our expert soccer picks for Thursday's slate below.
Head over to our Soccer Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.
Soccer Expert Picks: Thursday's Predictions August 27
Chelsea vs. Luton Town Carabao Cup Picks
Xabi Alonso indicated that Enzo Fernandez should be featured in Thursday's Carabao Cup contest
Best Bet: Chelsea 1H -1 (-105) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
As we saw on Monday, this Blues team knows how to score both early and often. I think at the very least, they lead at halftime against Luton Town, but more than likely lead by two to cash our bet. I don't mind the push potential here, but if you'd rather play Chelsea 1H -1.5 for plus money, be my guest.
They have a home game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. The Seagulls are actually on top of the EPL with the biggest win of the opening weekend, so don't expect all of Chelsea's starters. However Xabi Alonso has indicated he "expects" Enzo Fernandez to at least appear in this match.
Give me the Blues to keep the good vibes rolling and at least give us a push on Thursday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction: Chelsea Wins 1H 3-0 (+1000)
Celta Vigo vs. Osasuna La Liga Picks
Ferran Jutglà had nine goals in 21 starts for Celta Vigo last season. Can he find 10 this year in La Liga?
Best Bet: Celta Vigo/Osasuna Under 2.5 (-155) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
I've got no problem paying the juice in this situation. Both teams played to scoreless draws in their opener, producing just 0.67 expected goals. But let's dive a little deeper.
Celta Vigo were on the road against Valencia. Vigo actually controlled 56% of possession in a match that saw just five total shots on frame and three total corner kicks. There simply wasn't much offense. They should control the ball and take their time in their home opener.
As for Osasuna, there was a bit more offense. Osasuna allowed 1.31 expected goals from Levante, but just one shot on frame. However, the hosts produced just 0.67 xG with seven shots on target and nine corner kicks. Clearly none of those chances tested the opposing keeper. I'm more than willing to lay this juice on the under. Sure both offenses will be hungry to score, but defense is the name of the game for the hosts who should control the ball and milk the clock, leading to a low scoring contest.
Prediction: Celta Vigo Wins 1-0 (+525)
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club La Liga Picks
Raphinha scored twice in Barcelona's La Liga opener adding an assist as well
Best Bet: Barcelona/Athletic Club 1H Over 1.5 (+120) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
If you would rather, you could lay the -111 on the over 1.25 in the first half, but that's setting yourself up for a potential loss and push for a small deficit. Instead, I'll take the full over 1.5 for plus money. Barcelona could do it alone.
Barcelona kicked off the La Liga season with a 5-0 win on the road over Elche, but admittedly they only scored two in the first half. I think they push a little harder early on in their home opener. Athletic Club with be without starting left back Yuri Berchiche who picked up a red card just 11 minutes into their opening 3-1 loss. They conceded once in the first half, and now their defense is weaker.
This is a line that Barcelona could clear by themselves, so if you would like, Barcelona's 1H team total over 1.5 is +190 for those looking for something even spicier.
Prediction: Barcelona Wins 1H 2-0 (+500)
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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