Footiehound

Summer Football: What to Watch When the Big Five Go on Holiday

• Ken Anucha
• May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

The season’s done. The trophies are lifted. The title race has turned into parade footage, and suddenly your weekends feel weirdly… empty.

If you’re like most football fans, especially here in Nigeria where the Premier League calendar shapes half our social lives, the summer lull hits hard. But before you start replaying old Champions League highlights or convincing yourself Euro qualifiers are enough to keep you sane, let’s fix that.

Because here’s the good news: football doesn’t sleep. While the Big Five leagues in Europe catch their breath, there’s still quality action to watch – and yes, plenty of betting angles to explore while you’re at it.

MLS: The Wild, Wild West of Football

Major League Soccer runs from February through October. In other words, while Kane’s recovering from a post-season friendly in Denver, the Americans and Canadians are just getting into gear.

It’s unpredictable and a bit chaotic – and that’s what makes it fun. One week, Inter Miami looks like a title contender. The next? They lose 3-0 to a side from Ohio.

For betting fans, that volatility means value – especially in player markets or both-teams-to-score options. And with Nigerian players like Chinonso Offor making waves in MLS, there’s even a little home pride on the line.

Allsvenskan: Sweden’s Summer Secret

Sweden’s top-tier league doesn’t get enough love, but it really should. Running from April to November, Allsvenskan features fast, open play and passionate fanbases.

Clubs like Malmö FF and Djurgårdens IF bring the heat, and you’ll often find rising stars before the rest of Europe even knows their name.

It’s also great for betting because trends stick longer – teams in form tend to stay in form, and match goals markets are usually more reliable than you’d expect.

Eliteserien: Norway Brings the Goals

Like Sweden, Norway plays through the summer and has quietly built a reputation for entertaining, attacking football.

The Eliteserien is known for its unpredictability. Rosenborg and Molde may sound like household names, but the league’s structure means underdogs bite often.

That’s music to a punter’s ears. Odds are juicy, and upsets are never far away – especially when teams rotate heavily for European qualifiers.

J1 League: Japan’s High-Speed Showcase

If you’re into technical, fast-paced football, the J1 League is your summer gem. Clubs like Kawasaki Frontale and Yokohama F. Marinos play a brand of football that’s easy on the eye – and often high-scoring.

Games are early morning if you’re watching from Nigeria, but they’re worth the lost sleep. For betting, corners and over/under markets are popular here – partly because of the league’s emphasis on wing play and relentless pace.

Brazilian Série A: Drama, Talent, and Sunshine

Running from April to December, Brazil’s Série A isn’t just about flair – it’s competitive, deep, and always full of surprises.

Flamengo, Palmeiras, and São Paulo all bring intensity to the pitch, and it’s a proving ground for the next global stars. If you’re looking for a league where storylines develop fast and the tempo is consistently high, this is it.

Betting-wise, expect volatility. Teams can look world-class at home and completely fall apart away. Knowing form and lineups is everything.

Don’t Forget the Leagues Cup

This summer tournament between MLS and Liga MX clubs kicks off in late July and is quickly becoming one of the most watched competitions in North America.

It’s not just for bragging rights anymore – it’s fast, high-stakes, and the mix of styles (structured vs. chaotic) makes for wild matches. Perfect for live betting, especially if you like chasing goals or second-half markets.

What About Sports Betting in the Off-Season?

Summer football means opportunity. Fewer eyes on the games means less sharp pricing, especially in niche markets. That gives informed bettors a slight edge. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Look local: Smaller leagues often have strong home-field advantages. Travel fatigue and pitch conditions matter more than you’d think.
• Follow the weather: Seriously. Summer heat affects player stamina. It’s no coincidence some leagues see a dip in second-half goals in hotter months.
• Don’t chase friendlies: Yes, you can bet on pre-season matches. But no, you probably shouldn’t. Rotated squads, trialists, and zero stakes? Save your bankroll for the good stuff.

Still Plenty to Watch (and Bet On)

Just because Haaland’s on a yacht and Mbappé’s doing another sponsorship shoot doesn’t mean football’s gone to sleep. If anything, this is the time to discover new leagues, appreciate different styles of play, and maybe even find a few hidden betting gems.

Besides, when August rolls back around, and the big boys return, you’ll have bragging rights – “Oh, you weren’t watching Kawasaki’s midfield diamond in July? Shame.”