Some of best odds you could pick across the whole season are available this weekend. But these fixtures accommodate them nicely, especially when the title is already decided or the teams involved are distracted by European commitments.
LIKELY BETS
Olympique Marseille vs Monaco: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.72
Sadly for OM this will be their last chance of making it into the Champions League. A draw wouldn't be enough, so Bielsa's boys will need to score and look to secure a win, thus allowing Monaco space and the opportunity to extend their astonishing 11 game unbeaten run. It could have been a fight at the top if the visitors hadn't been distracted by progression in Europe.
Levante vs Atletico: AWAY WIN @ 1.53
Just a few more points are needed for the Colchoneros, and they will dispel any fear of being sent into the Champions League play-off by Valencia. It is precisely in the city of Valencia that this could happen, with Levante having moved clear of the drop zone and perhaps slightly less worried as a result.
Paderborn vs Wolfsburg: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.53
Both teams still have something to fight for here: survival on one side; holding on to second spot on the other. This is also the game between the second worst defence (59 goals conceded) and the second best attack (65 scored), while Wolfsburg have both scored and conceded in 7 of their last 10 Bundesliga away games. There are 4 ways in which Wolfsburg are expected to score in the WhoScored Match Forecast, but at the same it is 'Likely' that Paderborn 'will create many scoring chances'.
TEMPTING BETS
Chelsea vs Liverpool: HOME WIN @ 2.10
It's true that the Blues aren't motivated any more as they have nothing to play for - in contrast to Liverpool - but this means they in a relaxed manner, enjoying the pleasure of celebrating the title with a proper win, something Mourinho will certainly push for. Plus, lately Liverpool haven't been at their best. There are three possible scoring scenarios for Chelsea in the WhoScored Match Forecast; none are highlighted for Liverpool…
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: AWAY WIN @ 1.90
The season still isn't over for United as they try to avoid the Champions League playoffs, or even the chance of Liverpool catching them in fourth. Travelling to London to face Crystal Palace is the best way to put pressure on the Gunners, as the Eagles seem to be busy planning their holidays; with nothing to play for this season they have suffered 3 defeats in a row. It's indicative that all of Palace's weaknesses as stressed by WhoScored reflect the defensive side of their game.
Lens vs Montpellier: AWAY WIN @ 1.90
Lens have just been relegated, and all in all are coming from a terrible run of results. It's not that Montpellier have been brilliant, but they could still qualify for the Europa League, and this fixture definitely gives them a greater chance to do so. According to the WhoScored match forecast it is 'very likely' that Montpellier 'will score as a result of individual skill'.
LONG SHOT BETS
Real Madrid vs Valencia: DRAW @ 4.75
Valencia are possibly the worst visitors for Madrid at the moment. Within 5 days they could see their whole season fall apart, while Valencia have been boosted by some impressive results. Most importantly Real Madrid are frustrated after what happened in Turin, not for the result itself but for actually deserving to fall to a surprise defeat.
Juventus vs Cagliari: AWAY WIN @ 6.50
The odds justify the gamble in this one. Juventus are waiting on their most important game - again - of the last 13 years, with the reverse leg against Real Madrid to focus on, and the turnover in terms of personnel for this game could be massive. Cagliari have improved since replacing Zeman with Festa, and they are the only side that are still alive in the relegation fight. It's a tough ask, but it's worth a risk.
Empoli vs Fiorentina: DRAW @ 3.30
Ahead of what is a derby this weekend Empoli still haven't stopped their impressive form and Fiorentina are on the verge of a mental breakdown after losing in Sevilla in midweek. Maybe there will be some reaction, but it's extremely hard to see them winning on a ground where every team has had a tough time thus far, Juventus included.
What are your top tips for this weekend's action? Let us know in the comments below
