Must See Sports Fixtures to Watch Over the Next Few Days if You’re a Betting Man

The weekend is here, lekker! After a lengthy international break, European football returns with some cracking Premier League fixtures. Meanwhile, South African sports fans have plenty to look forward to, including a massive cricket Test between the Proteas and Australia and another round of United Rugby Championship action.

Whether you follow the beautiful game, love a bit of rugby or prefer watching the Proteas battle it out in the middle, there are several sporting events worth keeping an eye on over the next few days. Here are our top fixtures, predictions and betting odds for South African sports fans.

Note: The odds below are indicative estimates for editorial purposes, not verified live bookmaker prices. Check your preferred licensed South African sportsbook for current odds, team news and kick off times.

Arsenal vs Leeds United – Premier League

Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026

Kick-off: 13:30 SAST

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

The English Premier League returns on Saturday, and Arsenal will be desperate to get their title defence back on track. The Gunners suffered a 3-0 defeat against Brighton before the international break, so Mikel Arteta will want a response in front of the home supporters.

Leeds United, however, should not be underestimated. Daniel Farke’s side have started the season impressively and remain unbeaten heading into this fixture. That makes this an interesting clash between Arsenal’s quality and Leeds’ confidence.

Our prediction: Arsenal to win.

Indicative odds: Arsenal 1.50 : Draw 4.20 : Leeds 6.50

Arsenal have the home advantage and enough attacking quality to secure all three points. Nevertheless, Leeds could make life uncomfortable if the hosts start slowly.

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League

Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026

Kick-off: 18:30 SAST

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

This is the sort of fixture that can keep football fans glued to their screens. Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur in a clash between two clubs that desperately want to establish themselves among England’s elite again.

Both teams have plenty to prove, and neither can afford to give away cheap points. United will look to use home advantage, while Spurs will fancy their chances if they can exploit gaps in the hosts’ defence.

Our prediction: Both teams to score.

Indicative odds: Man United win 2.25 : Draw 3.40 : Tottenham win 3.10 : Both teams to score – Yes 1.65

Rather than picking a winner in what could be a tight encounter, backing both teams to score may offer an alternative for punters. Of course, that depends on both sides delivering in front of goal.

Liverpool vs Manchester City – Premier League

Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026

Kick-off: 17:30 SAST

Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

If you only watch one European football match this weekend, make it this one. Liverpool welcome Manchester City in a heavyweight encounter that could have an early influence on the Premier League title race.

City have made a perfect start to the league campaign, while Liverpool will be keen to show that they can compete with the reigning champions. The match also brings together two of the division’s leading scorers, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.

Anfield is never an easy place to visit, but City have the quality to silence the home crowd. Expect plenty of attacking intent, although the pressure of a big game could also produce a cagey opening.

Our prediction: Both teams to score, with a draw a possibility.

Indicative odds: Liverpool 2.60 : Draw 3.50 : Man City 2.55 : Both teams to score – Yes 1.55

This one is too close to call confidently. Instead of forcing a winner, goals from both sides look like an interesting market to consider.

Proteas vs Australia – First Test

Date: Friday, 9 October to Tuesday, 13 October 2026

Venue: Kingsmead, Durban

Start: 09:30 SAST daily, weather and play permitting

Cricket fans are in for a treat as South Africa take on Australia in the first Test of the series at Kingsmead. The rivalry between these sides always brings plenty of intensity, and this contest is particularly interesting because it marks South Africa’s return to home Test cricket after a lengthy break.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first on Friday. Meanwhile, South Africa have had to adjust their plans after Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the opening Test while recovering from a hamstring injury. Anrich Nortje returns to Test cricket, while Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj provide a double-spin option.

Conditions at Kingsmead could influence how this match develops. Early movement may help the seamers, while the spinners could become increasingly important as the pitch wears.

Our prediction: Australia to have the stronger start, but South Africa to remain competitive.

Indicative odds: South Africa 2.50 : Draw 3.00 : Australia 2.60

Test cricket is a different beast from T20 cricket. A draw remains a genuine possibility, especially if weather or slow scoring reduces the time available. Check the live match situation before considering any in-play market.

Bulls vs Lions – United Rugby Championship

Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026

Kick-off: 13:30 SAST

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

South African rugby fans can also look forward to a local derby as the Bulls travel to Ellis Park to face the Lions in the United Rugby Championship.

Derbies rarely follow the script. The Bulls will want to impose themselves physically and make their set pieces count, while the Lions will look to use home advantage and move the ball quickly. With local bragging rights on the line, expect plenty of commitment at the breakdown and some big collisions.

Our prediction: Bulls to win narrowly.

Indicative odds: Bulls 1.80 : Lions 2.00

The Bulls get the nod, but this is not one to treat as a certainty. The Lions can be dangerous at home, and discipline could prove decisive if the match goes down to the wire.

Final verdict: Which fixtures deserve your attention?

The Liverpool vs Manchester City clash is the standout football fixture, while the Proteas against Australia Test offers several days of action for cricket lovers. Meanwhile, the Bulls vs Lions derby should provide a proper South African rugby contest.

If you are looking at sports betting in South Africa, compare odds rather than automatically backing the shortest price. Consider team news, recent performances, home advantage and the conditions before making a decision.

Most importantly, keep your betting sensible. Set a budget, never chase losses and remember that even the best prediction can go pear-shaped. Sport is unpredictable, and that is precisely what makes it worth watching.

Read more about the biggest football fixtures this weekend