If only Manchester United were able to live up to expectations, then this weekend would have seen two sets of title contenders come to blows as the Red Devils face Chelsea the day after the Clasico. It's the game at the Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon that will rightly get the most attention. There should be goals in either game, although the ones at Old Trafford might come courtesy of defensive weaknesses rather than attacking skill.
LIKELY BETS
Getafe vs Atletico Madrid: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.65
Atletico should really secure 3 points with minimum effort. Don't expect too much glamour from this minor Madrid derby, as the colchoneros boast the third best away defence and there have been under 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Getafe's last 8 home matches.
Augsburg vs Freiburg: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.80
In contrast, the Bundesliga generally guarantees goals. Both teams to score is the chosen bet in Augsburg, especially given that 6 of Freiburg's last 7 matches ended in such a way. It's not a coincidence that WhoScored's database indicates that 3 of Augsburg's 4 main weaknesses and 4 of Freiburg's 5 all involve defensive shortcomings.
Hoffenheim vs Paderborn: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.80
This should be another goal-fest for both sides, as has been the case in 3 of Hoffenheim's 4 home games and in 3 of Paderborn's last 4 matches overall. This time the prediction is based on their skills, in fact the WhoScored database shows that 4 of each sides' 5 main strengths lay in their offensive abilities.
TEMPTING BETS
Manchester United vs Chelsea: OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.85
The Old Trafford factor is the arguably the only reason to avoid betting on Chelsea, although the odds on the Blues justify backing them to win. Even more secure a bet, meanwhile, is over 2.5 goals: it might not have happened in the last 2 encounters in Manchester, but in the last 30 years only once have their meetings seen less than 3 goals for three clashes in a row.
Add to that Van Gaal's defensive problems, matched with the need to restore some pride for the Red Devils which they could do with a positive performance against Chelsea and there is yet more reason to predict goals. Master Louis and pupil José meet for the first time since the Bernabeu final in 2010, although Van Gaal would have predicted that their teams might have been closer together than they are in reality.
There will be notable absentees, with no Rooney and possibly no Di María on one side, while Diego Costa may be out on the other. However, Hazard and Fabregas can do serious damage to United's left side with no need for a proper centre forward, while if Falcao was waiting for the right chance to make an impact, this is the best time for that, and swapping position with Van Persie to go one on one with Cahill could help his task.
West Brom vs Crystal Palace: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
Crystal Palace have conceded in each of their last 5 away games, but the good news for them is that WBA are generous hosts, with 17 goals conceded in their last 9 home Premier League games. Accordingly, the WhoScored data highlights a long list of weaknesses in defence for both sides and strengths all focused on their respective attacks.
Lazio vs Torino: HOME WIN @ 1.75
Torino do not posses a deep squad, and having a Europa League game on Thursday will make a lot of difference. One of the few players bringing quality, El Kaddouri, will be missing, so this is definitely not the right time to meet a Lazio side constantly improving and coming into the game on the back of 3 consecutive wins in a row.
LONG SHOT BETS
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: MORE GOALS IN 2ND HALF @ 1.90
To Suarez, or not to Suarez, that is the question. Whether 'tis Nobler to suffer The Slings and Arrows of Cristiano and James, or to take the Uruguayan against the white sea and by opposing, end them?
Luis Enrique has to make a decision on whether to start Luis Suarez or save him for the latter stages of El Clásico. Barcelona, though, are gradually improving, while the offensive link between Lionel Messi and Neymar has propelled theBlaugrana to the summit of La Liga. Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has known for a week that Gareth Bale will not be available for the welcome of Barcelona and has been able to prepare for this fixture accordingly. Both teams have worries over key defensive players, although Barcelona’s is perhaps the bigger concern as Madrid have adequate replacements at the back.
Neither side will be allowed settle for anything less than a win or face the wrath of the fans and press, so this match will be an open affair. In 3 of the last 5 competitive meetings, the 2nd half saw more goals than the 1st and the odds here favour the punter, with or without Suarez. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests is it 'Very Likely' Barcelona and 'Extremely Likely' Real Madrid 'will create many scoring chances'. This match could be perfect for either side’s array of attacking stars.
Cesena vs Inter: HOME WIN @ 6.50
Every game for this Inter side appears to sap them of all their energy and a midweek Europa League stalemate with Saint Etienne will not have aided preparations for this one. Cesena’s resources are limited, but they are unbeaten in Serie A at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi this season. A home win could be on the cards.
Olympique Lyonnais vs Olympique Marseille: AWAY WIN @ 2.87
Securing Ligue 1 glory is not going to be easy, but nothing seems to be impossible for Marcelo Bielsa's side. Despite a lengthy trip to Lyon, L’OM come into this as favourites. It should be an open game at the Stade de Gerland, which will benefit Marseille.
What are your top tips for the weekend? Let us know in the comments below
