The drama of the clash of the titans in London as Arsenal host Chelsea and the glamour of the Derby della Madonnina steal the limelight for the betting tips this weekend. Don't overlook PSG's match either, as it could be one of the very few games where they will struggle at the Parc des Princs.
LIKELY BETS
Fulham vs Manchester City: OVER 2.5 @ 1.45
If only City could play at home every week. Though they will be strong favourites at Craven Cottage, they still have real problems defensively away from home. Nevertheless, Fulham have the joint worst overall defensive record in the entire Premier League. In 7 of Fulham's last 8 games there have been over 2.5 goals scored, as has been the case in 10 of City's last 12. It's no coincidence that the WhoScored match forecast predicts that Manchester City 'will create many scoring chances'.
Roma vs Catania: ROMA TO WIN (-1) @ 1.66
This could be the game where Totti finally returns to the side from kick off, but either way that may not count for much as Catania's defending is woeful, conceding 2.5 goals per game away. A look at WhoScored's match forecast points towards 4 four different scenarios in which Roma are likely or even very likely to score.
Atletico Madrid vs Levante: HOME WIN HALF TIME/FULL TIME @ 1.40
There is no doubt that Atletico deserve to be up at the top of La Liga, maybe even more so than Barcelona and Real Madrid. One of the most impressive stats surrounding the colchoneros is that not only have they won each of their 8 home games, but they did so having been leading at half time in all but one (vs Valencia). It's hard to think that the other team from Valencia could hold them in the first half. It is deemed likely in WhoScored's match forecast that Atleti 'will control the game in the opposition's half': once there, sooner or later they should score.
TEMPTING BETS
Villarreal vs Sevilla: VILLARREAL TO WIN @ 1.90
The battle for 4th spot is hotting up but, in spite of positive recent results for Sevilla, Villarreal deserve to be backed here as they are a somewhat dependable team in important games. In fact the WhoScored match forecast says it is likely that Villarreal 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
Werder Bremen vs Bayer Leverkusen: BAYER LEVERKUSEN TO WIN @ 1.72
This is one of poorest Werder sides in years, having suffered 4 defeats and 1 draw in their last 5 games, and here they take on an extremely impressive and focused Bayer Leverkusen. WhoScored's statistically calculated team characteristics tell us that Werder are very weak at 'defending against attacks down the wings' and 'defending against long shots'. It will therefore be very hard for them to avoid yet another loss.
Nürnberg vs Schalke: SCHALKE TO WIN @ 2.20
Nürnberg remain the only team in Europe's top 5 leagues yet to win a game this season, while Schalke have put together 7 wins in their last 10 games, and their confidence is increasing game by game. The main problem for the hosts is their extreme lack of quality, and that's why the WhoScored match forecast informs us that Schalke are likely to 'score as a result of an opposition error'.
LONGSHOT BETS
Inter vs Milan: MILAN TO WIN @ 2.75
It’s been 13 years since both Milan sides entered the first of the 2 derbies in such a lowly league position, although the drama remains with the San Siro a sell out for Sunday’s meeting. Both teams are struggling for form so will be out to avoid defeat, while the pairing will be without two irreplaceable players in their XI - Ricardo Álvarez for Inter and Riccardo Montolivo for Milan. This has the makings of an enthralling encounter, with Milan looking to end their winless derby streak, which now stands at 4 games, the longest for the Rossoneri since 1997. A 9-point gap has emerged between the duo, but after qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League, Milan enter the meeting with confidence high. Moreover, Massimiliano Allegri has Kakà and Mario Balotelli available to him, 2 players that can decide the game in the blink of an eye, a luxury Inter don’t posses.
PSG vs Lille: DRAW FIRST HALF @ 2.37
Since September, only Monaco have been able to deny PSG at the Parc des Princes. Lille is the only other team in Ligue 1 that could replicate this and while it's unlikely that they'll hold the champions for 90 minutes, they have conceded only 1 goal in their last 8 away games, which means that PSG will find this a tougher test than they expect. According to WhoScored, one of PSG's few statistically calculated weaknesses is 'avoiding offside', which in the first half could limit their goalscoring opportunities.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: DRAW FIRST HALF @ 2.25
It's a strong position for Mourinho to be in heading into this game with just a 2 point gap between themselves Arsenal. There is no real rush to win and the Blues wouldn't dislike a draw. The Chelsea boss will be sure to take care not to concede space early on as Arsenal have made some great starts to matches thus far. Only once in their last 7 home league games have the Gunners failed to be a goal up at half time. Therefore you can bet that Mourinho have taken particular care in this respect.
What are your top tips for the weekend? Let us know in the comments below
