A tricky weekend lies ahead for the big clubs. Although none of them really face a difficult task, the main problem will be finding themselves in the midst of European fixtures. So only those that set their mind to the mission at hand will not drop valuable points.
LIKELY BETS
Swansea vs Manchester United: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.80
Keeping a clean sheet is an almost utopian dream for Van Gaal's team, as United have conceded in 5 of their last 6 league games, while Swansea have done so in 8 of their last 9 in all competitions. The key to this game could be in one of the weaknesses stressed by the WhoScored database: not only the many regarding their respective defences, but more importantly in struggling to 'Protect the Lead'.
Chelsea vs Burnley: HOME WIN (-1.5) @ 1.625
Nobody can really argue with Mourinho's ability to keep his team focused for every game, and this time his team are aided by standard of their weekend opposition. Only 1 win for Burnley in their last 11 games, so no need to mention that the WhoScored Match Forecast is a long list of how the Blues will destroy them.
Juventus vs Atalanta: JUVE HT-JUVE FT @ 1.61
Allegri means 'joyous' in italian, but the Juventus manager is actually pretty angry at the moment, particularly after last week's draw with Cesena. Expect a totally different approach against Atalanta, a team that will suffer in the absence of half of their usual starting lineup due to injury and suspension. A clash with Borussia Dortmund lies in wake for Juve, so the best way to save energy would be to have the game sewn up as early as possible. The WhoScored Match Forecast totally backs the trend.
TEMPTING BETS
Cordoba vs Valencia: AWAY WIN @ 1.95
There are favourable odds in the meeting between the team currently footing the La Liga table and a side harbouring Champions League aspirations. Cordoba have lost each of their last 4 league games, while 4th placed Valencia have won 4 of their last 5 matches. Furthermore, Cordoba have just 1 win to their name from 12 games at the Estadio Neuvo Arcángel this season and have lost 3 of their last 6 on home soil.
Evian vs Lorient: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
Ligue 1 has, by some distance, the worst goal average in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season. This means that when there is a match where it’s a good chance of both teams scoring, the odds are usually better. This encounter features the team with the 2nd worst defensive record in France’s top tier against the team with the 2nd worst away from home. The WhoScored match forecast has only two possibilities, but both favour each team scoring.
Verona vs Roma: AWAY WIN @ 1.75
A Roma win is turning into one of those occasions where your number is never called out in the lottery - it simply has to happen soon. The Europa League draw with Feyenoord puts more pressure on Rudi Garcia and now is the time for him to exhibit his leadership qualities. The Frenchman will hope that Gervinho has already moved on from Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nation win in time for this weekend’s league fixture. The WhoScored match forecast suggests he could be key to opening up the Verona defence, with it deemed 'very likely' that Roma ‘will score from wingplay situation’.
LONG-SHOT BETS
Real Sociedad vs Sevilla: AWAY WIN @ 2.50
The injury of Carlos Vela has heavily affected the efficiency of David Moyes' side, who have picked up just 1 win in their last 8 games in all competitions. Meanwhile Sevilla could be forced to play in an intelligent manner, making the most of chances to counter as they deal with their Europa League duties.
Augsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen: OVER 1.5 GOALS IN 1ST HALF @ 2.62
This should be the usual goal-fest in the Bundesliga, though in order to find some interesting odds we must delve into the first half figures, wherein Augsburg have registered at least two goals on the scoresheet in 4 of their last 5 matches. The 3 different goalscoring situations predicted in WhoScored's match forecast in Bayer Leverkusen's favour suggests that scoring at least one early goal shouldn't be too difficult.
Freiburg vs Hoffenheim: OVER 1.5 GOALS IN 1ST HALF @ 2.37
Sticking with the same bet in this one, it's perhaps even safer whenever a match involves Hoffenheim - which seems to be a contradiction when looking at the odds. Markus Gisdol's side have systematically netted over 1.5 goals in the first half in each of their last 5 games, as well as in 6 of their last 7 away from home.
What are your top tips for this weekend's action? Let us know in the comments below
