The match-day to rival all match-days. Rarely has the calendar thrown together so many big clashes on the same weekend from each of Europe’s top 5 leagues. Better yet, on the same Sunday. If your spouse had plans to go out on Sunday afternoon, then we predict a riot in your relationship.
Arsenal vs Manchester United - Over 2.5 goals @1.80
The Premier League 90s classic is Sunday’s first offering. The Gunners’ approach to the game could not be worse and this may be Arsenal's worst period in Arsene Wenger's reign. In recent years, the Frenchman was balancing average results in the league with safe progression from the group stage of the Champions League. Therefore, the pressure is all on Arsenal. They must look for a win, though they have not overcome any of their main top-4 rivals since January.
Louis van Gaal is slowly seeing his machine click into the gear and the mood around the team couldn't be better after moving to the Premier League’s summit for the first time in 2 years. Wenger is dealing with his yearly injury crisis and will be hoping that Theo Walcott can expose Daley Blind’s lack of pace, although that could be an issue for Per Mertesacker against Anthony Martial at the other end of the pitch.
There are two conflicting stats about the Gunners. There have been under 2.5 goals registered in 6 of their last 7 home league games, but over 2.5 goals scored in 4 of their last 5 competitive fixtures. For Manchester United, there have been over 2.5 goals in all over their last 8 competitive games. The primary WhoScored strengths of either team bodes well for over 2.5 goals, which is 'creating scoring chances' for Arsenal and 'finishing scoring chances' for Manchester United.
Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund - Over 2.5 goals in 2nd Half @3.40
Thomas Tuchel’s debut in Der Klassiker. Bayern are moving at two different speeds in Germany and in Europe. They may hold a four-point advantage over Dortmund, but they have struggled somewhat in the Champions League. Dortmund’s 1-1 draw with PAOK in the Europa League seemed to mask how this fixture distracts them. They will look to force Bayern's defence into committing errors as the German champions look to build attacks from the back.
Goals should flow freely, especially in second half. In fact, the Bavarians have scored 3 or more goals after half time in 2 of their 4 league home games this season, while Dortmund have seen over 2.5 goals netted in 2 of their 3 away matches. Both teams boast a WhoScored strength of 'coming back from losing positions', which are deemed ‘very strong’ and ‘strong’, respectively, for Bayern and Dortmund.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid - Draw @3.30
This is the worst moment in Diego Simeone's spell as Atletico boss, as Los Colchoneros are lacking defensive solidity and confidence. Atletico last succumbed to back-to-back league defeats in 2012, which means El Cholo will demand extra concentration from his men for the derby, leaving no space for Real Madrid to exploit.
Los Blancos aren't conceding at present, but are also struggling to hit the back of the net. Atletico’s 4-4-2 formation will stifle Rafa Benitez's 4-2-3-1 system, with the hosts hoping Gareth Bale won't play at part in the game. The home side, though, will need to be wary of Mateo Kovacic, who could exploit the space between the lines. Simeone, however, is hoping to recover Koke, though Oliver Torres will feel comfortable enough to make Marcelo regret any space left behind when he presses forward should the Atletico midfielder not feature.
Milan vs Napoli - Draw @3.40
The pieces are beginning to fall into place for Maurizio Sarri at Napoli, but his side will come up against an opponent that has spent the entire week feeling the wrath of Sinisa Mihajlovic following his team’s defeat to Genoa. Milan's lines will be tighter, meaning Napoli will find it harder to build attacks here than they did against Juventus last time out. There is a fear of defeat among the Rossoneri and that may be the reason why not losing might be just as important as winning, if not more so.
PSG vs Marseille - PSG -1 @1.95
Never in the past have the odds on PSG been so low. Marseille, though, are sinking like a stone and currently sit in 15th place, while on Thursday lost at home to Slovan Liberec. On paper at least, this looks like it will be a PSG win - and all signs suggests it will be - but this is unlikely to be a tight affair. A home win with a 1 goal handicap is available at 1.95 on Bet365. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests it is 'very likely' PSG will score from a direct free-kick, and in spite of Michel's best efforts to make Marseille defend solidly; it will be hard not be overcome by the force of PSG's attack
What are your betting tips for the weekend? Let us know in the comments below
