With European competitions done and dusted for another fortnight, attention now returns to the domestic scene, where there are a series of tantalising fixtures across the continent, including top of the table clashes in Serie A and the Premier League and big matches in Germany and Spain, too.
Napoli vs Inter - Napoli win by 1 goal @3.60
This encounter at the San Paolo will see two sides with contrasting styles come together. Maurizio Sarri has got Napoli playing an attractive, free-flowing brand of football that has seen them put together a formidable run of 13 wins from their last 15 matches in all competitions, whereas Roberto Mancini has made Inter arguably the most efficient team in the division.
Not only are Napoli unstoppable in front of goal, but they are also solid at the back and haven’t conceded a goal in their last 677 minutes of action. Sarri’s strikers will have their work cut out to keep up their phenomenal form in front of goal here, however, as they come up against the meanest defence in Serie A (7 goals conceded).
Inter will look to counter Napoli’s 4-3-3 formation with five in midfield, although that could see Adem Ljajic drop back to the bench, which would be unfair on the Serbian after his impressive performance against Frosinone last weekend.
The home side will be looking to control the match from the off, but they will have to cope with Inter’s physical presence in midfield, although that will be slightly eased with Geoffrey Kondogbia out injured. Jorginho, who set a Serie A record for the most successful passes in a game over the last seven seasons against Verona last time out in the league (181), could play another starring role for Napoli here in what should be a tight game settled by only one goal.
The WhoScored Match Forecast predicts Napoli will create the most scoring chances, which should be enough for someone like Gonzalo Higuain - scored 8 in his last 10 matches - to shade proceedings by a one-goal advantage.
Leicester vs Manchester United - Over 2.5 goals @2.00
Leicester’s fine start to the season has left their fans dreaming of Europe, although those ambitions could be harboured with their next six fixtures bringing United, Swansea, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City. However, for now, Claudio Ranieri has a real chance to become the first team since Leeds United 14 years ago to top the Premier League in December outside of the traditional top five teams in the division.
The added narrative to this story is that Jamie Vardy is looking to surpass Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record of scoring in 10 straight league matches, which he set at United over the course of two seasons.
The Foxes are currently the top goalscorers in the division (28), although they conduct most of their work in the second half of matches with 20 of their 28 league goals coming after the break. There have been over 2.5 goals in eight of Leicester’s last nine Premier League fixtures and while United have the best defensive record in the division (9 goals conceded), Leicester are best equipped to buck the trend here, with Bet365.com offering a price of 2.00 for their to be over 2.5 goals at the King Power Stadium.
Tottenham vs Chelsea - Tottenham to win @2.60
Unfortunately for Chelsea, they have been unable to win back-to-back league games this season. They overcame Norwich at Stamford Bridge last week, but the result didn't come easy. Tottenham, meanwhile, are on the longest unbeaten run in the Premier League (12 games) and have the joint-best home record having taken 15 of a possible 21 points at White Hart Lane this season. One team brimming with confidence against one that is struggling. Harry Kane is too hot to handle for Chelsea's centre-backs at present, but Jose Mourinho could be the one smiling come full time should Eden Hazard rediscover his best form.
Sevilla vs Valencia - Both teams to score @1.61
After such a successful campaign, Valencia are floundering in the league and Champions League. They simply do not have the squad capable of competing in both competitions. They are very shaky in defence and the lack of solidity is affecting their position in the table. Sevilla, meanwhile have the third worst home defence in La Liga. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests three different outcomes, all of which suggest goals are possible.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Schalke - Over 1.5 goals in second half @1.83
When it comes to defending, these two are far from reliable. Both have conceded 12 goals between them in their last three games, while two of Schalke’s last three league games has registered over 1.5 goals in the second half. Five of their combined seven WhoScored weaknesses involve the defence.
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