Lionel Messi

Everyone loves an underdog. There's romance in supporting the little guy, and in the sports betting world, it can also prove a profitable venture. But there are times when playing a long shot is unwise, and the World Cup is definitely one.

Christmas comes early for soccer fans because Real Madrid take on Barcelona on December 23 in the latest El Classico. Madrid need to win to close the 11-point gap at the top of the table, Barcelona are unbeaten in 23 La Liga games, what will happen when the Spanish giants collide on the pitch?

The pick of the opening round of 2017-18 Champions League group stage games has to be FC Barcelona hosting Juventus at the Camp Nou at 20:45 CET on September 12. Both teams have the potential to win the competition outright, today should give us some insight into which of the two soccer giants are up for this year's tournament.

Juventus face Real Madrid in the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League final knowing they are potentially only 90 minutes away from lifting European club soccer’s biggest prize.