It opens greatly but closes even better. The weekend is a thrilling book, starting with Chelsea-Arsenal and ending with Real Madrid-Barcelona. No matches in between can compete with that, although Italy too provide two tense games between Lazio-Milan and Napoli-Fiorentina. Above all the odds, be sure to consider the European round of fixtures that will have effected some of the big clubs in action.
LIKELY BETS
Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim: HOME WIN @1.72
Bayer Leverkusen now have to defend their fourth spot following 5 games without a win. However, Hoffenheim have also suffered back-to-back defeats, and Leverkusen can now narrow their focus without any Champions League fixtures in midweek. It's no coincidence that the WhoScored match forecast predicts two 'likely' ways in which the hosts will score.
Borussia M.Gladbach vs Hertha Berlin: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.80
Gladbach boast the fourth best home attack, with each of their last 5 league games seeing both sides on the scoresheet. The WhoScored database highlights that the main weaknesses of both teams are linked with problems in defence: respectively, Gladbach are weak at 'stopping opponents from creating chances' while Hertha struggle when 'defending against through ball attacks'.
Lazio vs AC Milan: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.72
There will be plenty of tension at the Stadio Olimpico. Clarence Seedorf suffered humiliation on Friday, interrupting his technical meeting with academy trainers in order to meet with Milan CEO Galliani, who gave the Dutchman two games in which to fix the situation. He must win in Rome, but he can hardly change his offensive nature. On the opposing side, the protests from Lazio's fans continue against the president's policy. In these situations, bonkers games usually play out. There's no Abbiati, Montolivo and Bonera for Milan, while Lazio can field their best XI. Klose will be an enduring threat for Milan's shaky defense, but watch out as the Rossoneri can finally start with both Balotelli and Pazzini up front.
TEMPTING BETS
Napoli vs Fiorentina: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @1.95
Normally this would be a fantastic game, but this time the players' legs will be tired thanks to the extraordinary stress that was put on both clubs during the week, expending a lot of energy in their Europa League clashes. The pace of the game will be slower, although Fiorentina have a great chance to close the 10-point gap behind Napoli and the final Champions League spot. 4 of Napoli's last 5 home games have seen under 2.5 goals, as have 6 of Fiorentina's last 9 Serie A away matches.
Olympique Marseille vs Rennes: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.83
When you pick a 'both teams to score' bet in France, the odds are always generous as the league's goal average is lower than others. However, Marseille's attack is a reliable one - the third best in Ligue 1 - and 4 of Rennes' last 6 games have seen both sides net.
Hull City vs WBA: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.90
There are unusually high odds for this kind of bet in the Premier League. It's a huge clash in the relegation battle, meaning low quality but fast pace, a recipe for goals and entertainment. Watch for the weak WhoScored characteristic of 'Avoiding fouling in dangerous areas' that both teams have.
LONG SHOT BETS
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: FIRST HALF DRAW @2.40
Ancelotti is aiming for the club record in terms of their unbeaten streak, and it's obvious that Barcelona are nowhere near the confidence levels of the Blancos. The Blaugrana can't allow themselves to lose if they still want to fight for the title though. Martino, so far, has approached every single big game in a pretty cautious manner; less offensive than the Barça we are familiar with. Neymar against Carvajal and Bale against Mascherano are the two possible mismatches.
Almeria vs Real Sociedad: AWAY WIN @2.10
There are 20 points and 14 positions between these two but there are still great odds on Real Sociedad considering their fight to reach the Champions League is still very much alive. In addition, it's more than a month since Almeria have been able to get all three points.
Chelsea vs Arsenal: FIRST HALF DRAW @2.20
Arsenal surprised many by getting their title hopes back on track last week, so there is no need to push too hard to start with at Stamford Bridge where, it's worth remembering that Mourinho has never lost. In fact, 4 points behind Chelsea but with a game in hand could mean that leaving Chelsea having avoided defeat could be a decent result. Surely the Blues won't leave space behind, so it could be a very tactical 1st half, hindered by the fact that Ramires and Willian are suspended and Özil is injured, and also by Chelsea's midweek CL game with Galatasaray.
Who will you be betting on this weekend? Let us know in the comments below
