Sporting Lagos FC - Gombe United FC predictions and free betting tips [02/10/2023]

Today in the Nigerian Premier League, there will be a matchday 1 fixture between Sporting Lagos and Gombe United. I'm backing the hosts to win.

Current Form of Sporting

The Lagos team was promoted to the Premier League last season after a play-off and finished second in a group of four teams, beating Abeokuta (2:0) and One Rocket (1:0). They only lost to Heartland 1:2 in the final match, which was a direct qualifier for the Premier League. Regardless, they made it to the top division and will be aiming for a mid-table position. Last season they topped the main tournament table with 18 points from 10 matches, which included 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 defeats with a goal difference of 16:9.

Current Form of Gombe

Gombe had a disappointing end to the previous season, losing 3 out of their last 5 matches, including cup fixtures. They were beaten by Warri 0:1 in the 1/8 finals. In the Nigerian top division, they ended the season with two consecutive losses, conceding 6 goals in total to Akwa and champions Enyimba. After 18 matchdays, they amassed just 19 points and sat in 7th place with 4 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses, and a goal difference of 10:20

Head-to-Head

The two teams haven't previously met.

Match Prediction for Sporting - Gombe

For the first matchday, I'm backing the Premier League newcomers from Lagos. Last season, they displayed good results, whereas the visitors from Gombe were very weak offensively, conceding twice as many goals with just 10 goals scored in 18 matches. My bet is on a Sporting win in the opening fixture.