The post-European fixtures, even trickier considering that each side in the quarter-finals faces a tough task to progress. As a result, the odds have become favourable for the team playing at home.
LIKELY BETS
Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.66
A win for Rayo would see them move level on points with Celta, in turn dragging them back into the relegation scrap. However, when Rayo's defence is involved, the worst in La Liga, goals are guaranteed. The WhoScored match forecast suggests it is likely that Rayo Vallecano 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Mainz: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.66
The weekly ‘Bundesliga's both teams to score’ fixture comes from Frankfurt: Eintracht have scored and conceded in 5 of their last 6 games, while Mainz have repeated the feat in 13 of their 16 away games. The bet is helped by the WhoScored weaknesses of both teams, with 9 of the 13 between them being focused on defence.
Manchester City vs Southampton: CITY HALF TIME @1.72
Manchester City have been leading at half time in 4 of their last 5 Premier League wins and they will be focused from the off this weekend. Furthermore, City have won 12 of their 13 home league games under Manuel Pellegrini, with title rivals Chelsea the only team to come away from the Etihad with all 3 points. 9 of City’s 10 statistically calculated strengths are attack-minded and they will press for the opener from the outset.
TEMPTING BETS
Chievo vs Verona: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.90
The last minute defeat in the reverse fixture of this derby still hurts Verona. That's why they won't be shy to go for all three points, which would cap a surprisingly impressive season. Nevertheless, Verona have the third worst defensive record away from home, though a key to this game could be one of their main strengths, as indicated by WhoScored's team characteristics, of 'coming back from losing positions'.
Atalanta vs Sassuolo: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.83
Many expected Atalanta to relax after moving away from the relegation zone, but Colantuono has done a great job in pushing his team to fight for a Europa League spot, equalling the club's record of 6 wins in a row. However, they'll face a Sassuolo side in desperation, sitting second from bottom, and they must be careful with regards to their main weakness of 'defending against attacks down the wings'. Di Francesco likes his Sassuolo side to play in a 4-3-3 with two very dangerous forwards out wide, particularly when Berardi and Sansone start together.
PSG vs Reims: PSG (-1.5) TO WIN @1.85
Simply put, whenever PSG win at home they always do so with at least a two goal advantage. It's also true that they are in the midst of a far more important Champions tie, but Blanc's large squad gives him plenty of options to rotate in order to avoid suffering from Ibrahimovic's injury against opponents the likes of Reims, enduring an average season. There's no need to specify just how many ways that the WhoScored match forecast predicts that the home side will score…
LONG-SHOT BETS
Chelsea vs Stoke City: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @2.00
After the Chelsea-PSG game in midweek and with the second leg coming up, the London club could be stretched to their limits here, and will also surely be distracted. Stoke will set out to stifle Chelsea's attacking initiative and look to take advantage of their fatigue. The consequence could be a game with few goals, which would otherwise be a reliable option considering that Chelsea have seen under 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 10 league matches, while Stoke have seen less than 3 goals in 5 of their last 7 games.
Barcelona vs Betis: BARCELONA (-3) TO LOSE @1.80
The trick here is betting on a huge handicap because Barcelona will look to go ahead and then save energy for the return leg against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday. Picking the 3-goal handicap and betting on Barcelona 'losing' means choosing a blaugrana win by at most a 2-goal margin.
Hamburg vs Bayer Leverkusen: AWAY WIN @2.10
Second-bottom host fourth, with both still involved in close battles at opposite ends of the table. Leverkusen are fighting to protect their Champions League spot an approaching Wolfsburg assault and the odds are extremely good considering that Hamburg have won only 2 of their last 15 games.
*All odds sponsored by bet365
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