Bayern and Juventus could both be crowned league winners this weekend, while Chelsea can take a big step towards the Premier League title. A weekend full of derbies controlling the destinies of so many teams and European fixtures have just been played, which will be a factor that must be taken into consideration now more than ever.
LIKELY BETS
Cologne vs Bayer Leverkusen: AWAY WIN @ 1.75
It is hugely important for Bayer to continue in their quest to secure third spot and direct qualification to Champions League with a positive result here. Cologne are almost safe and definitely not in great form. The WhoScored Match Forecast is simply merciless towards the hosts.
Udinese vs Milan: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
Weirdly enough Milan, with the help of the ref, were able to shut out Inter in the derby. Things won't be the same at the Friuli, where Udinese's counters will be hard to contain whilst at the same time the defence will allow Milan their own opportunities.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
Even losing this game won't take away the title from Chelsea, and that actually gives Arsene Wenger a psychological advantage, as the Gunners have been failing in big games when the title was on the cards. The home advantage will push Arsenal to play their usual proactive game, and Chelsea won't be any ashamed to leave the initiative to their hosts, looking to make the most of the many defensive mistakes that the Gunners tend to make.
Sanchez with pose a threat to Ivanovic on Arsenal's left, while on the other side Eden Hazard will continue to stake his claim to the Player of the Season award, and with all the due respect Bellerin will need to put in his best game to stop the Belgian. All in all, the fact that the result might not change anything for the title could mean more goals than usual. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests it is equally 'Likely' that Chelsea 'will create many scoring chances' and that the Gunners 'will score as a result of a through ball'.
TEMPTING BETS
Everton vs Manchester United: AWAY WIN @ 2.15
The frustration from failing to make their dominance of possession count against Chelsea will still linger for United, and this time around Everton could pay the price if the visitors channel their aggression. There is only one scenario predicted in WhoScored's match forecast and that is the fact that it is 'very likely' that United will score 'as a result of an opposition error'.
Cordoba vs Athletic Club: AWAY WIN @ 1.90
Facing the team at the bottom of the table will represent the best chance for Athletic to fulfil their inconsistent quest for the final Europa League spot (waiting on the result of the Copa del Rey final). There are three probable outcomes listed in the WhoScored match forecast, all pointing towards the fact that the visitors will win the game.
Rennes vs Nice: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 2.00
Goals are often harder to come by in Ligue 1 than the rest of Europe's top 5 leagues and that's why even when there is a game like this where goals are likely, the odds are still very profitable. 6 of Nice's last 7 games have ended with both teams scoring after all.
LONG-SHOT BETS
Torino vs Juventus: DRAW @ 3.25
The best chance Torino will ever have to break the run of 18 derbies without a win and the negative streak of 7 consecutive defeats, with these stats never before seen in the history of Derby della Mole. In November came the first goal after 12 years - another historical record - and now fans hope Torino can continue the surprising season they are enjoying. Following Juventus’ stress-inducing exploits in France on Wednesday night, reaching the Champions League semi finals for the first time in 12 years, the odds on a draw favour the punter.
Espanyol vs Barcelona: DRAW HT/BARCELONA FT @ 3.75
It’s a derby for Barcelona too who, like Juventus, come into the game following their Champions League progression at the expense of French opposition. However, the gap between the two rivals is wider in Catalonia than in Turin, so Espanyol can only hope for a slow start. However, Espanyol haven't been losing at half time in each of their last 7 league games at home.
Hamburg vs Augsburg: AWAY WIN @ 2.60
This is not the right game for Hamburg to return to form as they look to avoid the first relegation to Germany’s second tier in their history. The home side have succumbed to defeat in their last 5 league matches and are currently on a 9-game winless run as they face a team in 6th in the Bundesliga, who are battling to secure a Europa League finish.
What are your top tips for the weekend? Let us know in the comments below
