For the two teams playing today's top flight games in England and Spain, the need to get their campaigns up and running is paramount.
Cadiz and Celta Vigo in La Liga, plus Leeds United and Newcastle United in the Premier League, have combined to play 16 matches so far in 2021-22.
What is their combined record? Zero wins, six draws, and 10 losses, for a grand total of six points from 48.
Yikes.
Looking at those numbers, you might think there would be two draws today. But I think these teams realize three points are there for the taking Friday, and they come out fighting.
I think Leeds is a better team than Newcastle, and the same for Celta Vigo with Cadiz, so I will go with the better sides today.
Check Fubo.TV, Paramount+, and ESPN+ for TV schedules
ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE
Newcastle United (+205) v Leeds United (+125), draw (+260), 3 p.m. EDT (NBCSN and Fubo.TV)
SPAIN LA LIGA
Celta Vigo (-190) v Cadiz (+575), draw (+300), 3 p.m. EDT (ESPN+)
THE PICKS:
Leeds ML (+125)
Leeds over 1.5 goals (-105)
Celta Vigo -1 AH (-105)