talkSPORT betting tips – Best football bets and expert advice for Monday 6 January

After a hectic festive schedule, the football calendar is returning to normal once again. Monday night features just four matches, one each from the Premier League and Championship, alongside games in Portugal and Spain.

Nottingham Forest head to Wolves aiming to continue their surprise push for a Champions League spot. Real Madrid face a real departure from their glamorous surroundings in a visit to fourth-tier Deportiva Minera, while QPR meet Luton in the Championship in a clash, which could be fiery. 

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Bet of the day

Nottingham Forest to win - 6/5

Things are turning around for Wolves, who have taken seven points from nine available under Vitor Pereira. Appointing a former Porto boss has worked for the Molineux side in the past, with Julen Lopetegui and Nuno Espirito Santo finding success.

Now Nuno returns to Molineux with his current club, Nottingham Forest, flying high. The Tricky Trees went into the weekend third, having launched a surprise challenge for a Champions League spot. They’ve won five on the bounce going into this game, including three consecutive away wins.

While Wolves have improved of late, they caught Leicester, Manchester United and Tottenham at the right time. Forest seem like a much tougher test, with the visitors winning at United, Brentford and Everton across their last three on the road.

Wolves have lost all five of their home clashes with top-half teams, shipping 16 goals in those defeats. With Forest priced at 6/5 ahead of this clash, they look well-priced to take the points. 

Special of the day 

Sam Field and Mark McGuinness to be carded - 13/1

Ahead of QPR’s clash with Luton, the pair have already picked up 100 yellow cards between them, along with seven reds. Given that the pair are in desperate need of points going into this clash at Loftus Road, it’s easy to see a flurry of fouls between the pair.

Midfielder Sam Field has been cautioned on eight occasions for Rangers this term, while he has been booked in five of his last nine appearances. He’s a good option for a card, with no QPR player topping his three yellows at home so far.

As for Luton, defender Mark McGuinness has received all three of his yellow cards away from home, including one in their recent visit to Swansea.

Long shot of the day 

Real Madrid to win 6-0 at Deportiva Minera - 20/1

Deportiva Minera face a David and Goliath clash with European champions Real Madrid, which isn’t likely to end well for them. The hosts are out of form in the fourth tier, having failed to score in two of their previous three.

Real Madrid ended 2024 with four wins in five, scoring at least three times in clashes with Girona, Serie A leaders Atalanta, Rayo Vallecano, Mexican side Pachuca and Sevilla.

The hosts aren’t likely to end their scoring woes in this clash, while Real can really flex their muscles, given the gulf between the sides. With 16 goals across their last five, Real can hit six against underdogs Deportiva Minera. 

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Odds correct at time of publish and subject to change*

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