This weekend serves up some juicy fixtures. The game in Liverpool would be enough to satisfy the cravings of any football fan, while the Bundesliga sees the two biggest sides face off, although with no meaning to the game. The European factor - the stress of playing a midweek fixture - will take its toll, especially in Spain, where super odds are the result.
LIKELY BETS
Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.57
This one is only for pride, particularly for Dortmund, with their season as good as over and this being their last outing on the big stage with Lewandowski spearheading their attack. Both defences will feel the consequence of such demanding European games in midweek and the WhoScored Match Forecast says it is 'Extremely Likely' that Borussia Dortmund 'will create many scoring chances'. All the while, Bayern won't sit calmly watching the game pass them by.
Sampdoria vs Inter: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.80
Inter keep conceding goals and dropping points against lesser teams, so they need a win here at one of toughest grounds to visit in Serie A. For Sampdoria, this is the last chance to reignite any faint hopes of qualifying for the Europa League. According to WhoScored's ratings, Sampdoria's German Under-21 international Shkodran Mustafi is one of best centre-backs in Europe. He will have a good battle with Icardi, while Palacio can exploit the mismatch with Fornasier.
WBA vs Tottenham: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.72
Spurs have to deal with West Brom's strong motivations to avoid relegation, and fear often has a greater effect than hope. Albion will be fearful of the drop while Sherwood is hoping to qualify for Europe and keep his job. 5 of West Brom's last 6 home league games have seen both teams score. According to the WhoScored Match Forecast, it is 'Likely' that Tottenham 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
TEMPTING BETS
Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Stuttgart: HOME WIN @ 1.95
Gladbach will look to extend their recent streak of 4 wins in 5 games against a Stuttgart team on a run of 2 wins in their last 13 fixtures. 4th in the table but with 3 teams within 1 point of each other in the Champions League fight means that Gladbach will stay absolutely focused. The WhoScored Match Forecast states it as 'Very Likely' that Borussia Moenchengladbach 'will score as a result of individual skill'.
Olympique Lyonnais vs PSG: AWAY WIN @ 1.83
Both teams come into this game on the back of European disappointment, but Lyon had 48 hours less to recover, so this may be the only opponent this week against whom PSG will start at an advantage over in terms of fatigue, not to mention the obvious technical superiority. Moreover, Lyon haven't won any of their last 3 home matches, while PSG are unbeaten in 8 away games and have won their last 4 in a row. According to the WhoScored Match Forecast it is 'Extremely Likely' that PSG 'will score from a fast break situation'.
Rennes vs Monaco: AWAY WIN @ 2.30
The 6-point cushion that Monaco have between themselves and Lille isn't big enough to relax. Rennes are the perfect mid-table opponent with nothing else to play for this season.
LONG-SHOTS BETS
Liverpool vs Manchester City: DRAW (LIVERPOOL -1) @ 4.33
This is the game of the season for the Reds, while City only need a draw if they are to win their games in hand. Liverpool have won all of their big games at Anfield so far this season; City have 1 win, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their 3 biggest away games of the season. The astounding 29 goals scored by Suarez and 90 scored by Liverpool along with a proactive attitude pushed by the enthusiasm of what feels like an entire population can seal the advantage, and City struggle to keep composure when facing big opponents with great supported.
It may not be Suarez, though, that is the difference. He will be up against Kompany's marking, so it's Daniel Sturridge that can break the balance up against Martin Demichelis, while Liverpool must not leave their inexperienced left-back Flanagan on his own, as Navas and Silva could take advantage. It will be tight though, and that's why it is reasonable to bet on Liverpool winning by just 1 goal.
Sassuolo vs Cagliari: DRAW @ 3.10
The appointment of a new manager at Cagliari (Lopez's former assistant) will surely bring a reaction to the team and that might well hurt Sassuolo's hopes of avoiding relegation. Furthermore, Cagliari are the side that have drawn the most away league games in Serie A this season.
Betis vs Sevilla: HOME WIN @ 3.20
There are odds worth grabbing in a derby that only means something for struggling Betis, who are 9 points off safety at the bottom and still seeking revenge for the comeback defeat in the Europa League quarter final to their bitter rivals. Sevilla should have already secured their Europa League spot but most importantly of all will be tired after their efforts put in seeing off Porto on Thursday.
What are your top tips for the weekend's matches? Let us know in the comments below
