WhoScored Tipster: The Weekend's Top Tips in Europe

Football fans will be given a break this weekend, as there are no big clashes between title rivals in Europe’s top five leagues. The elite clubs will be desperately looking to get through this weekend unscathed as they recover from their European commitments, while some will still be planning for those to come.

LEICESTER vs NEWCASTLE - Both Teams to Score - No @1.95

Steve McClaren has finally been sacked but it remains to be seen whether Rafa Benitez will be in charge in time for their trip to Leicester on Monday. Newcastle have been poor this season and even worse on the road. In fact, no team in England’s top-four tiers has scored fewer goals away from home than the Magpies this season (7) and they will be tasked with facing a side that has kept a clean sheet in five of their last six home league matches. Newcastle haven’t scored in five of their last seven away matches, which should give the Foxes all the confidence of extending their lead at the top of the Premier League without conceding.

SEVILLA vs VILLARREAL - Under 2.5 Goals @1.80

This tough league fixture is wedged between their Europa League commitments and probably comes at a bad time for both, as Spanish teams are notoriously committed more to Uefa’s second-tier competition more than most. Energy levels are likely to be low and there are no traces of goals in the WhoScored Match Forecast, which indicates this gruelling battle between two sides with great defensive records could come in under 2.5 goals.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND vs MAINZ - Draw First Half @2.60

This match will carry personal significance for Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel, who spent five years as Mainz head coach before making the switch to Dortmund last summer. While not many expect BVB to overturn their current five-point deficit on Bayern Munich, but they are pushing them all the way to the end and that deserves praise in its own right. However, they will have to overcome the visit of a strong Mainz outfit, who were recently beating Bayern at half time. Dortmund, meanwhile, have been drawing at half-time in four of their last five home league games and the trend could quite easily continue here.

EMPOLI v SAMPDORIA - Empoli to Win @2.20

Empoli started the campaign as the surprise package of the Italian season but they are now nine games without a win and they are in danger of being dragged into an unexpected relegation battle. Sampdoria, meanwhile, have just left the bottom three after winning back-to-back games, but this could actually prove the right time to face Vincenzo Montella’s side, with the pressure slightly off them.

AJACCIO v CAEN - Both Teams To Score - Yes @1.95

There have been great odds in the both teams to score market in Ligue 1 all season and the stats behind this fixture suggest this bet is worth taking. Ajaccio have the joint-worst defensive record at home in Ligue 1 this season (20 goals conceded) and both teams have scored in 14 of their last 17 league matches. Caen have also managed the feat in six of their last eight away league matches.

What are your tips this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below