This is the weekend of the year. The calendar has simultaneously brought up one big game from each of the top leagues, although there are two big clashes in Italy. High odds are the logical consequence, especially in Paris.
LIKELY BETS
Roma vs Inter: HOME WIN @ 1.61
How times have changed since the reverse fixture between these teams, when Roma crushed Inter on the counter. Now Totti is out and Roma will take charge, and Inter will do what they can to prevent the waves of Roma's attack. Inter will probably field a 3-5-1-1 to try and do this, against which Roma will be compelled to attack with pace, which is not the style that suits them best. However, the giallorossi's confidence is the real difference, as that is what the nerazzurri are lacking the most. Gervinho will look to take advantage of some sloppy Inter defending, while Mazzarri might try to put Alvarez out wide to create a mismatch, as Roma will be without both of their starting full-backs. But it looks like sooner or later Roma will break through. In fact, the WhoScored Match Forecast says it is likely that Roma 'will score from a fast break situation'.
Stoke vs Arsenal: AWAY WIN @ 1.72
It is only 2 wins in the last 12 games for Stoke, while Arsenal are getting back on track. Maybe this won't be easy as it might seem on first glance, but the Gunners will find a solution. It is stated as 'very likely' in the WhoScored Match Forecast that Arsenal 'will score a long shot' and 'will control the game in the opposition's half'.
Southampton vs Liverpool: BOTH TEAMS SCORING @ 1.50
Southampton have conceded 14 goals in their last 8 home league games, while Liverpool have shipped 17 in their last 9 away Premier League games. Importantly, the WhoScored Match Forecast points out that both Southampton and Liverpool are respectively 'Weak' and 'Very Weak' in 'protecting the lead'.
TEMPTING BETS
Braunschweig vs Borussia Mönchengladbach: AWAY WIN @ 1.90
12 positions and 20 points separate these two, with the odds on an away win surprisingly high. It must be stressed that Gladbach are yet to win in 2014, but are still fighting for a top-4 finish. The visitors are the superior side technically, with the WhoScored Match Forecast suggesting it’s likely that Gladbach will 'score as a result of an opposition error'.
Villarreal vs Betis: VILLARREAL HALF TIME/VILLARREAL FULL TIME @ 1.90
With Betis at the foot of the table, it would be reasonable to suggest they’re destined to lose at El Madrigal. The visiting side enters the fixture on the back of an energy-sapping trip to Russia on Thursday, though they did secure their place in the last-16 of the Europa League. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests three different ways that Villarreal will score, all of which are deemed ‘very likely’.
Ajaccio vs Lille: AWAY WIN @ 1.72
Ajaccio have gained the fewest points at home in Ligue 1 this season, while Lille continue to fight for 3rd spot in France’s top tier. The WhoScored Match Forecast shows that it is very likely Lille will 'dominate possession' and are likely to ‘score from a long shot’.
LONG SHOT BETS
Milan vs Juventus: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.72
For the first time in a long time, Milan appear solid all over the pitch following impressive performances against Atlético and Sampdoria, despite succumbing to defeat in the former. Ideally, Juventus would have preferred to play Milan prior their recent good run, though the Rossoneri will be without Mario Balotelli and Christian Abbiati, while Mattia De Sciglio and Giampaolo Pazzini are struggling for fitness. Milan will likely leave space for Juventus to exploit as the hosts push for a goal.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.00
Losing could prove fatal for Diego Simeone's side, with it possible Atlético could fall 6 points behind Real. A tight game is expected, with neither team compelled to frequently pick the ball out of their own net. Good odds are being offered on Under 2.5 Goals, but both teams will look to win as it’s unlikely that Barcelona will stutter at home to Almeria.
PSG vs Olympique Marseille: DRAW HALF TIME/PSG FULL TIME @ 3.60
Almost every domestic game seems to be no contest for PSG, but Marseille is one of the very few that can cause them some problems. Most of all, in 3 of their last 5 wins, PSG have gone in level at half time, and that has happened in 5 of their last 8 league games. The odds on this option are too good to miss out on.
What are your top tips for the weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
