Top Match Tips: The best tips across Europe this weekend

We are going to miss football during Christmas break, but the fixture list heading into it is only making matters worse, and this weekend has thrown another bunch of games full of prestige and drama, with a special focus in Italy. 

Roma vs Milan - Draw @4.20 

This already looks as though it could be a play-off for second place. On the same points - four behind leaders Juventus - Roma were expected to be there or thereabouts, but Milan are defying the odds against them in pre-season. Roma are a team that is no longer being pushed to shine in very game, but play to their strengths, sitting and waiting for the right chance to hit their rivals, and Milan are not so different. Montella used to play proactive football, now he is more concentrated on improving their poor defensive record, mixed in with a few quality players and a fistful of great potential. For this reason Roma might not find their way to goal without Salah, who is irreplaceable.  

Milan, all in all, have a problem in games against lesser teams rather than the big ones. The Rossoneri are without Kucka (suspended), Bonaventura (injured) and perhaps most importantly Bacca is still out. Although the late Totò Schillaci - Gianluca Lapadula - is in the sort of form that should mean the team doesn't miss the Colombian too much. There is the X-factor to consider for Roma though, with the 'Little Pharaoh' El Shaarawy well aware of the (many) weaknesses of Abate. Given it appears a very equal game, the odds from Bet365 on a draw at 4.20 are high. Moreover, the WhoScored Match Forecast predicts a 'very likely' comeback in the case that Milan go behind. 

Manchester United vs Tottenham - Both Teams To Score - Yes @1.80 

It's not wrong to call this the last chance for both to re-establish their title credentials but that's certainly more true for United, in sixth place, six points adrift from Tottenham in fifth. Defeat for Spurs, meanwhile, could extend a 10-point gap from Chelsea, and hands up if anyone believes they could manage such a fightback. Don't expect an aesthetically entertaining game, there is just too much fear and too much to lose. But both defences always concede chances: United have conceded in each of their last 4 league home games while Spurs have failed to keep a clean sheet in 4 of their last 5 away. There's still no Lamela for Tottenham, but Harry Kane found some form, and that is the biggest threat, while Mourinho could finally utilise Martial, considering that the left wing could be a good route to goal through Walker and Alderweireld. 

Bet365 are also offering their risk free in-play bet for Spurs' trip to Old Trafford. If you place a pre-match bet ahead of the game, Bet365 will give you a second in-play bet to the same stake up to £50. If your first in-play bet loses, they will refund the stake, up to the same value as your largest pre-game bet.

Torino vs Juventus - Juventus to win @1.85 

The game Torino used to wait for the whole season. Mihajlovic's side is now flying high, and winning this could bring them into a new dimension. Juve, though, aren't there just to fulfil the ambitions of their local rivals. While it's true that their three defeats have come after their three away games in the Champions League, their last European fixture was at home versus Dinamo Zagreb, and it was a routine home win. Torino could be satisfied with a draw too, but consider that such a result hasn't occurred in the Derby della Mole in the last 14 years. There are only two scoring situations listed in the WhoScored Match Forecast, and they are both in favour of Juventus. 

Leicester vs Manchester City - Under 2.5 Goals @2.20

Manchester City's comeback is largely expected. Leicester seemed to save energy in the Champions League, resting key players, but that doesn't mean they will be able to cope with the reaction of Guardiola's side. The visitors will be up for this and prepared, knowing that they have to face the suspension of Aguero and Fernandinho. The only way for the Foxes could be to try and keep things tight, but that may not be enough for a positive result. 

PSG vs Nice - Both Teams To Score - No @1.95 

This is tipped as the game in which Nice could relinquish their shock Ligue 1 leadership. A bit of a battle is to be expected at the Parc des Princes, and it will be hard for Nice to find the net. PSG have kept six consecutive clean sheets at home, and only conceded once all season in the league as hosts, which is the current joint best record among the top 5 European leagues.