The best value this week can be found in Italy. There aren't any particularly big clashes around Europe, so head to Serie A if you want to play it safe; otherwise bear in mind those who come into the weekend after European exploits or those who face a Champions or Europa League clash in the coming days.
LIKELY BETS
Manchester City vs Stoke: MANCHESTER CITY TO WIN (-1) @ 1.23
The Etihad defeat against Barcelona will still be fresh in the memory for City, and they will not relax in an apparently easy fixture like this one as they look to get back to winning ways. A large win is suggested by the WhoScored Match Forecast, predicting four different ways for Manchester City to score as 'very likely' or 'extremely likely'.
Bologna vs Roma: AWAY WIN @ 1.50
Now that Diamanti is gone, almost everything is lost for Bologna except their spirit, but this game won't be as easy as it might seem on first glance for Roma. Given that they will be without Totti and Maicon, they may be more focused on the task at hand, but Bologna will be missing a key player too, in the suspended Perez. Goals should come for Roma, probably from the left, through the lethal link play of Bastos-Strootman-Gervinho, while Bologna must hope for some rare defensive lapses from Roma's centre-backs. The WhoScored Match Forecast predicts many ways for Roma to win the game, stressing as 'very likely' that they 'will score from a fast break situation'.
Rayo Vallecano vs Sevilla: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.50
The worst defence in La Liga faces the fifth worst this weekend. Furthermore, Sevilla are in between Europa League legs, in the first of which they conceded two goals in Slovenia. In fact, the WhoScored Match Forecast highlights two scoring methods as 'likely' for Rayo, and also that is is 'extremely likely' that Sevilla will create many scoring chances.
TEMPTING BETS
Sampdoria vs Milan: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
Milan are finding it really difficult to prevent opponents from scoring. They have conceded at least once in 12 of their last 13 Serie A away games, while Sampdoria have scored in every home game since Mihajlovic took charge. Add in that half of Sampdoria's first choice defence is suspended, and Seedorf's offensive attitude should be effective even with Balotelli out through suspension. Both left flanks will be key, where Gabbiadini for Samp and Taarabt for Milan should find space.
Schalke vs Mainz: OVER 1.5 GOALS IN 2ND HALF @ 1.83
In 66% of their league games this season both Schalke and Mainz have registered over 1.5 goals in the second half. Exactly that has happened in 3 of Schalke's last 4 Bundesliga games, and they may also be distracted by the upcoming fixture against Real Madrid so could be vulnerable at the back.
Toulouse vs PSG: PSG HALF TIME/FULL TIME @ 2.10
It is highly possible that PSG will win at Toulouse after going ahead in the first half, as they have done in 5 of their 7 away league wins this season. What is more, the odds are incredibly good for such a bet.
LONG-SHOT BETS
Arsenal vs Sunderland: DRAW HALF TIME/ARSENAL FULL TIME @ 3.75
Even at the Emirates, where Arsenal will be huge favourites, it is worth looking at how they can win this one. Considering that the Gunners odds are understandably pretty low, then it is very interesting to underline that in 5 of their last 6 league wins Arsenal have been victorious after going in level at half time. Moreover, this time the hangover from the Bayern clash will make more difficult to start at their usual high tempo.
Betis vs Athletic Bilbao: AWAY WIN @ 2.37
There are fantastic odds to be found on a game that, tactically, is no contest at all. Betis will have half an eye on the return leg of their Europa League tie against Rubin Kazan, which is even more crucial after conceding a late away goal in the draw on Thursday.
Stuttgart vs Hertha: OVER 1.5 GOALS IN 1ST HALF @ 2.62
In 66% of Stuttgart's games this season, the first half has seen at least two goals scored, and that also appears to be a trend of late for Hertha, who have seen two or more first half goals in 4 of their last 6 games. Last but not least, Stuttgart's defence - the second worst in the Bundesliga - seems perfect for the WhoScored Match Forecast saying that it is very likely that Hertha 'will score as a result of individual skill'.
What are your top tips for the weekend's action across Europe? Let us know in the comments below
