This is the weekend that could decide the two vacant titles in Europe’s top 5 leagues, while three clashes, that may not be as enthralling as hoped, but still pull in the crowds.
LIKELY BETS
Manchester United vs Arsenal: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.61
This could be the perfect farewell for Robin Van Persie should he play, but it's too early to consider this a final send off for the Dutchman. This is the last chance for Manchester United to avoid a Champions League playoff, or - looking at this from the other side - an opportunity for Arsenal to secure at least 3rd place, which would be their best finish since the 2011/12 season, or perhaps finish 2nd, which was last achieved in 2003. Both managers are expected to go with their favoured approach. This could be a long afternoon for both of United’s full-backs, provided Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sánchez receive the ball in dangerous positions, while the Gunners simply don't have players to mark Wayne Rooney out of the game should he play to his potential.
Sassuolo vs Milan: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.61
Sometimes it feels like any team could score past Milan. Sassuolo have been fun to watch when pressing forward, although their lack of motivation has prevented them from performing to expectations, while Milan still have pride to play for. The WhoScored match forecast suggests it is 'likely' that Sassuolo 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
Valencia vs Celta Vigo: HOME WIN @ 1.61
The three points are of the utmost importance for Valencia - a win would virtually secure them 4th place. Celta Vigo, meanwhile, are too far from the Europa League spots to provide a serious threat to Valencia. Furthermore, the Mestalla this season is a fortress. Only Barcelona (48) have gained more points at home than Valencia (47) in La Liga this season.
TEMPTING BETS
Montpellier vs PSG: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
PSG will probably win the title this weekend, although Montpellier are not an easy team to face. This will be an open game, but it’s worth keeping in mind that Ligue 1 has lowest goal average in Europe’s top 5 leagues, so a Both Teams To Score bet is always a good stone to use as a platform to build an accumulator. The WhoScored match forecast suggests it is 'extremely likely' that PSG 'will score from a wingplay situation', but that it s also 'very likely' that Montpellier 'will create many scoring chances'.
Evian vs Saint-Etienne: AWAY WIN @ 1.90
This is an important game for different reasons, with Evian hoping to stave off relegation, while Saint-Etienne need to win to keep in the hunt for a European spot. Neither team needs more motivation in their quest for victory, but it's worth noting Evian have just one win to their name over the last two months. The three situations listed in the WhoScored match forecast suggests Saint-Etienne will dominate the game.
Hertha vs Eintracht Frankfurt: HOME WIN @ 2.00
Before loaning out the Olympiastadion for the DFB-Pokal and Champions League finals, Hertha have one last chance to pull away from the relegation playoff spots. Five points separate the bottom six teams in the Bundesliga and a win will effectively guarantee them a place in Germany's top tier next season. They must not waste the chance to win against an unmotivated Eintracht side that have nothing left to play for this term.
LONG-SHOT BETS
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: DRAW @ 3.60
This could have been another title showdown after last season. Instead it has turned into the perfect stage for Los Colchoneros to hand the crown to the new champions. Even a draw could be enough for Barcelona to secure the title if cross town rivals Espanyol deny Real Madrid. Diego Simeone, though, is not one to gift the points easily with the Argentine fighting until the end. A spirited performance will be a demonstration of pride and send a message for next season. The problem for the Madrid side is that the Blaugrana’s front three at the moment are able to score at a whim. Being entirely serious, Fernando Torres could be decisive, but on the other hand; when Lionel Messi has the chance to target Guillherme Siqueira, Atletico best hope the Argentine has an off day.
QPR vs Newcastle: AWAY WIN @ 2.40
QPR were expectedly relegated last weekend, while Newcastle are alive and kicking with their two-point gap between themselves and 18th-placed Hull City. There is only one scoring situation listed in the WhoScored match forecast and it favours Newcastle, who are ‘likely’ to ‘score from a wingplay situation’.
Inter vs Juventus: HOME WIN @ 2.25
Maybe the least important Derby d’Italia in recent years. Juventus will rest all of their best players, although will have a large support at the San Siro, as many Tifosibianconeri live in Milan and are living the dream after progressing to the Champions League final. Winning this game will instead almost make Roberto Mancini’s season, while victory would allow Inter to harbour hopes of qualifying for the Europa League, which would see the Nerazzurri end the campaign undefeated against Juventus. Fernando Llorente is hoping to gain some minutes ahead of the Champions League final and will hope to exploit Andrea Ranocchia, while Rodrigo Palacio must be happy that he will come up against Angelo Ogbonna and not Leonardo Bonucci or Giorgio Chiellini.
What are your top tips for the weekend? Let us know in the comments below
