WhoScored Tipster: El Clasico Headlines Star-Studded Rivalries

After weeks of top games being dominated by Serie A fixtures, this time the Italians are left in the shadows due to three big games from Spain, England and Germany, plus one of very few where PSG may drop points. However, obviously the biggest match of all this weekend, in terms of the odds as well as prestige, is ‘The Game’ at Camp Nou.

LIKELY BETS

STUTTGART-NURNBERG: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.66

Both teams have registered on the scoresheet in each of Stuttgart’s last 4 matches in all competitions, while there have been goals at both ends in 5 of Nurnberg’s 6 away matches in the league and cup this season. WhoScored.com’s match forecast predicts that it is in fact very likely that 'Stuttgart will score as a result of an opposition error' and that 'Nurnberg will score as a result of a through ball'.

TOULOUSE-RENNES: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @1.61

Toulouse hold both the record of the best home defence (2 conceded) and worst home attack (4 scored) in Ligue 1 thus far. That much may be enough to convince you of a scoreline with under 2.5 goals, but you can add that Rennes have the 4th worst attack (3 scored) and 5th best defence (5 conceded) away from home. All of Toulouse’s home games have ended with under 2.5 goals, as have each of Rennes’ last 3 away games.

SAINT ETIENNE-PSG: IBRAHIMOVIC TO SCORE ANYTIME @ 2.05

The odds have to be as high due to a statistical calculation, but the bookmakers would probably be more than happy to slash them down. St. Etienne have the second worst home defence in France (7 conceded), while PSG have both the best away and overall attacking record (8 and 18 scored respectively). Zlatan has found the net in his last 4 consecutive games, doing so 9 times!

TEMPTING BETS

BOLOGNA-LIVORNO: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.90

Simply put, Bologna have the worst defence in Serie A - not just based on statistics - and they face a team that have conceded 8 of their 12 goals this season in their last 3 games. Bologna are bottom of the table without a victory, meaning that any game could be Pioli’s last in charge if this streak continues, so his side will give their all for a manager who is appreciated by his players. However, Livorno have also suffered 3 consecutive defeats and are without a win in 5, so it's expected that they will play their most offensive line-up of the season, starting with 3 strikers.

VILLARREAL-VALENCIA: HOME WIN @1.95

Finally Valencia secured an impressive win in Europa League against St. Gallen, but they might pay the price for their exertions in midweek at El Madrigal, as they are still unreliable in La Liga. It doesn't help that only Barcelona and Atletico have a better home record than Villarreal, who have been the real surprise package in the league. WhoScored.com’s match forecast suggests that it is very likely that 'Villarreal will score as a result of an opposition error' and ‘as a result of individual skill'.

SCHALKE-BORUSSIA DORTMUND: SCHALKE DOUBLE CHANCE @2.00

It's a derby, and it involves a Borussia Dortmund side that still can’t perform at the desired level away from home in the league right now. The visitors may also be more tired than Schalke after their Champions League exploits, as winning away at the Emirates in the dying minutes is much more demanding physically than falling to a 0-3 at home to Chelsea. That result could actually bring about the frustration required to provoke the right reaction, and Schalke have had just one defeat in the Bundesliga in the last two months.

LONG-SHOT BETS

BARCELONA-REAL MADRID: DRAW @4.00

All of a sudden being practical has become far more important for both sides ahead of the Clasico. Martino is no longer putting the aesthetics of Barca’s play ahead of the result, and Ancelotti has worked on his side’s solidity, knowing that Real Madrid’s quick transitions are still there and that several playmakers will guarantee a high standard of attacking build up. It will be the usual 4-3-3 for Barcelona, with Puyol to be paired with Piquè in order to stop Cristiano, while Pedro is inching ahead to be the third man up front. Meanwhile, Ancelotti has openly spoken about Bale starting, although Di Maria was superb against Juventus in midweek.

Barcelona’s left flank against Real Madrid’s right flank could be the key to the game: if the Blaugrana don't forget to give the ball to Neymar wide on the left, the Brazilian could tear Arbeloa to pieces, supported by the continuous movement of Iniesta. However, if Bale starts on that side, Adriano Correia might find himself in need of someone to help double up on the Welshman. All in all, Real Madrid were close to coming into this game 8 points behind, but now the deficit is just 3. Barcelona can't allow themselves to lose this Clasico at home, so there probably won't be any real rush to win it.

PARMA-MILAN: HOME WIN @3.30

Milan gave their all against Barcelona until the last minute in midweek and it will not be easy to recover, with a number of valuable players still injured. The only bonus is that Balotelli played just 26 minutes. He will have an impact on the game, but Donadoni has had all the time and options to prepare for this game properly, leaving Cassano in the perfect condition to boost the team, as Fantantonio has been doing for some weeks now. Don't forget that Cassano departed from Milan on far from pleasant terms, and Milan have not won away since last season!

CHELSEA-MANCHESTER CITY: HOME WIN @ 2.37

Having such good odds on Chelsea winning at home is just too good to turn down. Chelsea have not defeated City at Stamford Bridge in their last two official games, which hadn’t happened previously since 1994. It is likely to be considered that this Mourinho side, improving game by game, can break this (small) spell. José has to send a message that he can win a direct clash against a title rival, after playing for a draw against Manchester United and Tottenham.

However, those games were played away, while this is the first big game of the season on Fulham Road. On the opposing side, Pellegrini has had less than 24 hours to rest his team, and winning in Moscow on a terrible pitch will have affected his players' muscles even more. City have also conceded goals in their last 5 games, and have the 6th worst away record in the Premier League! It’s no coincidence then that WhoScored’s match forecast states that it is likely that 'Chelsea will score as a result of an opposition error'.