An array of great games on offer in Serie A, the Premier League and Ligue 1 this weekend, with good odds in each, particularly in the top of the table clash in France.
LIKELY BETS
Sevilla vs Barcelona: AWAY WIN @ 1.53
Poor Sevilla - the fixture list means they’re the first to play Barcelona after their unexpected home defeat to Valencia, though the odds on a Barça win are not as low as usual. Keep an eye out for one of Sevilla's WhoScored weaknesses being 'avoiding fouling in dangerous areas', where the visitors can hurt the hosts.
Tottenham vs Everton: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.66
Tottenham have both scored and conceded in 6 of their last 8 league games, while Everton have done so in 7 of their last 10. This match could go a long way to determining who qualifies for the Champions League and considering that Spurs sit 1 point behind Sunday's opponents and with a worse goal difference, they must push for the win, and in doing so they will leave gaps for the Toffees to exploit.
Celta Vigo vs Athletic: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.66
Bilbao are favourites to secure the 4th Champions League spot in Spain, but they take on a side that have won 3 of their last 4 league encounters. Celta boast a poor defence at home and that has meant both teams have scored in each of their last 4 home games, with the same happening in Athletic's last 4 league encounters. The WhoScored match forecast suggests that it is extremely likely Athletic 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
TEMPTING BETS
Napoli vs Milan: HOME WIN @ 2.00
Napoli have won none of last 3 league games: something that hasn't happened in 11 months. However, Milan are still struggling to cope with their defensive issues. Considering Seedorf's attitude, it should be a very entertaining game, but Milan are pretty poor at containing opponents' attacks, and that will be a particular problem against Napoli, as one thing Benitez's side have no problems with is building attacks. Hamsik will start, and he could be one of the more motivated as many are asking him to carry the team after being injured for some time, although it will be intriguing to see how Taarabt debuts. Add in that Milan are still unsure as to Kakà's availability and you will see why Napoli have a good chance to turn around their crisis.
Werder Bremen vs Borussia Dortmund: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.66
8 of Borussia Dortmund’s last 10 league games has resulted in both teams scoring, which follows the pattern of their season, with injuries in defence costing them. According to WhoScored’s match forecast, it is likely that Werder Bremen 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
Nurnberg vs Bayern Munich: OVER 3.5 GOALS @ 2.00
Present Bayern with the opportunity to net and they’ll make sure to capitalise. 3 of Nurnberg’s last 4 league games has seen at least 4 goals scored, while Bayern have recorded a similar feat in 3 of their last 5. It’s also important to note that a statistically calculated WhoScored weakness of Bayern’s is 'stopping opponents from creating chances'.
LONG SHOT BETS
Liverpool vs Arsenal: DRAW @ 3.60
Liverpool are 5 games unbeaten, while Arsenal are are on an 8 match unbeaten streak, but the Gunners can't afford to drop any more points after their slip up at Southampton, even if their next trip is a tough one like Anfield. It's also quite a test for the Reds at home, where they have been brilliant, winning 10 out of 12 games, but actually only hosted Manchester United of the big teams. To lose would mean Brendan Rodgers' side slipping to 11 points behind their opponents, while Arsenal would still remain top with a 2 point advantage. Cazorla on the left-flank, up against Flanagan, could be the one breaking the balance, but Suarez on the other side can exploit Mertesacker's lack of pace.
Lazio vs Roma: AWAY WIN @ 2.00
Roma believe that they close the gap on Juventus, and are full of confidence at present. Lazio are still unbeaten in the league since Edy Reja took the job, but he will be without the suspended Biglia, who gave balance to the biancazzurri's midfield, while Garcia's side seem capable of coping with both left-backs being injured. It will be tight, Lazio will counter-attack, and there will be a fiery atmosphere, as so often is the case in the derby del Cupolone. Lazio have found in Balde Keita the perfect attacking partner for Klose, but the problem is that the German is not certain to play at all. Furthermore, considering how fragile Lazio's defence is, Totti could well punish them if given half a chance.
Monaco vs PSG: DRAW @ 3.20
The gap at the top of Ligue 1 simply means Monaco cannot afford to lose, but considering PSG's momentum, Monaco should also try and do whatever they can to win as it's hard to imagine PSG dropping points in many other games. Ranieri will set his team up to be compact and defensively sound, trying to catch the over-confident Parisiens unawares when given the chance to break. There will be no Cavani and no Falcao, but a front 3 of Lavezzi-Ibrahimovic-Lucas seem able to dismantle Monaco's defence, while on the other side James Rodríguez hopes to find space between the lines.
What are your top tips for the weekend? Let us know in the comments below
