The now roughly halfway 2024-25 season in the five major European leagues offers several teams that defy some of the expectations set before the season. From Nottingham Forest’s astonishing performances in the Premier League to Atletico Madrid’s now realistic La Liga title ambitions, there are several indications that we could be in for one or more big surprises this season. And it is not only the fans who are expected to pay extra attention, but also those who are looking for opportunities in the betting market. 

The betting experts at Betsjekk have taken a closer look at which teams have impressed the most so far, how can they surprise further, and not least what opportunities lie in the betting market.

England: Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have been one of the big surprises in the Premier League. After struggling to avoid relegation last season, Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad has shown impressive consistency and ability to score points against both the top and mid-tier teams this season. Forest have shown strength both at home at the City Ground and away this season, with several impressive victories.

Betting opportunity: Nottingham Forest are often underestimated in games against teams in the top six. Bettors can find value in betting on a draw or Forest win in such matches, especially at home.

Germany: Mainz

Mainz have had a solid start to the 2024-25 season in the Bundesliga, surprising with both stability and ability to get results against expectations. Under the leadership of Bo Henriksen, the team has shown a good balance between structured defense and effective attacks. Among other things, Jonathan Burkardt has been central to the success with many goals.

Betting opportunity: Mainz often offer good odds in close encounters and have been remarkably good away from home this season, making them an exciting choice for betting on away wins or strong performances on foreign turf.

Spain: Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid has been the talk of the town in La Liga this season. At the halfway point of the season, they are leading the table, and with a defence that is barely conceding goals and only one loss so far, they look like a serious contender for the league title. Diego Simeone seems to have rediscovered his familiar, uncompromising defensive play, while Alexander Sørloth has delivered important goals up top.

Betting opportunity: Atlético is an excellent choice for bettors who want to bet on low-scoring matches or the team to keep a clean sheet. With defensive strength and efficiency in front of goal, there can also be value in betting on Sørloth as a goalscorer in individual matches.

Italy: Atalanta

Atalanta continue to put in strong performances this season and currently sit third in Serie A. After an impressive fourth place finish last season, it’s no big surprise that they are back at the top, but the team may look even stronger this season. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side combine an attacking style of play with a solid defensive structure, which now looks set to make La Dea a contender for the title. The likes of Mateo Retegui, who is the top scorer in Serie A, and Ademola Lookman, who continues to deliver goals, have been crucial.

Betting opportunity: Atalanta is an exciting team to bet on in top-flight matches, as they often offer good odds against teams like Inter and Juventus. Betting on over 2.5 goals or a team to stay in the top three can be worth considering, especially in games where they play at home.

France: Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne are back in Ligue 1 after promotion, and while it’s no big surprise that they are now fighting at the bottom of the table, it might be worth keeping an eye on Eirik Horneland’s new project. The newly promoted club has shown flashes of potential, and if Horneland succeeds in implementing their high-energy philosophy, they can surprise positively throughout the season. He has previously shown in Bergen that he can definitely get teams to perform beyond expectations.

Betting opportunity: Saint-Étienne is an interesting outsider in matches against equal opponents. If results start to go their way, there could be value in betting on wins or close draws, especially at home at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

Outlook ahead

This season seems to give us more teams that show that they can challenge the established top clubs and create excitement in their respective leagues. From Forest’s stability in the Premier League to Atlético’s La Liga title chase, Atalanta’s strong Serie A season and Saint-Étienne’s fight for survival in Ligue 1, there could soon be more outsiders who play an important role when the season ends in the spring.

For bettors, these teams can represent interesting opportunities, and with a focus on analysing in-form curves, upcoming opponents and specific strengths that can be exploited, it’s possible to spot where the surprises will come on the betting slip too.

The article is written in collaboration with Betsjekk.com.