Plenty of goals and away wins - that's the focus for this weekend's betting tips, though there is one team that goes against the grain and for good reason. Chelsea will look to maintain their formidable home record against the Premier League's big guns and assert their authority against an underwhelming Manchester United side.
LIKELY BETS
Bologna vs Napoli: AWAY WIN @ 1.66
A fixture harder than it appears on paper, yet Napoli have managed to develop their game and secure maximum points when needs must, exactly the opposite of Bologna. The WhoScored match forecast suggested two situations which Napoli are 'very likely' score from: from 'a fast break situation' and 'a long shot'. Moreover, Napoli will 'dominate possession' and 'control the game in the opposition's half', increasing the likelihood of the Partenopei securing maximum points.
Getafe vs Real Sociedad: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.66
The fourth worst home defence hosts the fifth worst away. Real Socided have conceded in 9 of their 10 away games in La Liga this season, despite sitting 6th in the Primera Division. Their main WhoScored weaknesses are 'defending against long shots' and 'defending attacks down the wings'. This fits perfectly with the WhoScored match forecast, suggesting it's very likely Real Sociedad 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
Stade Reims vs Olympique Lyonnais : BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
When Lyon play away from the Stade Gerland, goals are expected at any point over the 90 minutes. 8 of their 9 away games this season has seen both teams find the back of the net, with Lyon boasting not only the third best attack, but also the worst away defence in Ligue 1.
TEMPTING BETS
Chelsea vs Manchester United: HOME WIN @ 1.72
This is the perfect chance for Mourinho to end United's title hopes once and for all, with this perhaps the last chance for the Red Devils to get back into the title race. Chelsea have 9 wins and 1 draw at Stamford Bridge, while Moyes' side have lost as many matches away from home as they have won. Some precious space will be left by Torres for Oscar's runs, while Moyes will hope that Januzaj can trouble Azpilicueta. There is a technical gap that in this moment is the real difference between the two, so it's no coincidence that according to the WhoScored's match prediction, Chelsea will likely 'score as a result of an opposition error'.
Genoa vs Inter: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 2.37
This season it always makes sense to bet on both teams scoring when Inter are involved. They have the best away attack, but away from San Siro have conceded 7 in their last 4 games. Moreover, Genoa's manager Gasperini - who lasted only 2 months in Inter's dugout - will be out for revenge, and more so given the brutal 4-0 loss against Roma last week. Last but not least, all of Genoa's best defenders or defensive midfielders are out due to injuries or suspensions.
Villarreal vs Almeria: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.95
It seems that in Spain the clubs in the hunt for the final Champions League spot have proactive football in common and a far from unbeatable defence, with Villarreal - like Sociedad - always trying to score one more goal than their opponents. In fact, 9 of the Yellow Submarine's last 10 games have seen both teams on the scoresheet.
LONG SHOT BETS
WBA vs Everton: AWAY WIN @ 2.25
Everton have registered fewer away defeats than any other team in the Premier League this season (1). In addition, West Brom have only 1 win in their last 5 home games. The WhoScored match forecast predicts that Everton will 'dominate possession' and are very likely to 'score from a direct free-kick'.
Swansea vs Tottenham: AWAY WIN @ 2.38
Swansea have the fifth worst home record, while Tottenham, in spite of a recent 'crisis', maintain the 2nd best away record in the league. The fact that WhoScored's match forecast indicates it is likely that Tottenham 'will create many scoring chances' hints that sooner or later they will break Swansea down.
Toulouse vs Monaco: AWAY WIN @ 1.95
PSG are playing at home against Nantes and will be hoping to extend their 5 point lead at the top, so Monaco cannot afford to drop any more points or their hunt for Les Parisiens may well be over. This won't be easy, but Toulouse have won only 1 of their last 5 home games in the league. Recent poor results for Monaco have stimulated very good odds, and they may be worth taking.
What are your top tips for the weekend? Let us know in the comments below
