We're set for an extremely rich weekend of action. Not only in terms of the scheduling, with many close clashes in Italy, classic battles in Germany and the possible title tie-breaker in France, but also as far as the odds are concerned. Never they have been so high, even for the more predictable bets.
LIKELY BETS
Atalanta vs Torino: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @2.00
Torino's surprising season seems to have no limits, and now they play without pressure with their focus back on domestic football. Atalanta are winless in 7 games, with only Parma and Cagliari in worse form. Therefore they can't sit back and wait as the relegation zone is already looming large. WhoScored's team characteristics highlight Atalanta's only strength of 'counter attacks', and there are very few for Torino too, with just 'attacking set pieces' and 'creating scoring chances'.
Werder Bremen vs Mainz: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.53
The usual suspect in Bundesliga betting, both teams to score seems to occur in almost every game in the league, and that's certainly the case where Werder Bremen are concerned. The hosts boast the 5th best attack as well as the 3rd worst home defensive. Meanwhile, WhoScored's match forecast suggests it is 'likely' that Werder Bremen will make a comeback if they go behind.
Cagliari vs Lazio: AWAY WIN @1.83
It's Juventus at the moment that have more confidence than Lazio. The Biancazzurri are in their best form, boosted by the potential to overtake Roma, who are now only 1 point ahead. They take on Zeman's side, but their former manager can't perform miracles. WhoScored's match forecast indicates that there is only one 'extremely likely' scenario, which is Lazio 'scoring from a wingplay situation', and in-form Felipe Anderson is the favourite to do so.
TEMPTING BETS
Real Madrid vs Granada: UNDER 3.5 GOALS @2.30
The goals average has crashed at the Bernabeu. In 6 of their last 7 home games Real Madrid have played a part in an under 3.5 goals scoreline, which has also been the case for Granada in 12 of their last 15 games.
Cordoba vs Atletico Madrid: DRAW 1ST HALF @2.10
A slow start is a certainty for Cordoba, and it has become a habit lately for the Colchoneros too. In fact Cordoba have ended with a draw after the 1st half of each of their last 4 games, while Atletico have done the same in 2 of their last 4.
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich: DRAW @3.20
Alaba is out again, along with Robben, and while Bayern have the squad to cover for such absences the Bavarians may be exposed at the Westfalen Stadion. Now that Borussia Dortmund are out of the Champions League, their focus is solely on the league, and the aim is just to pick up as many points as possible to try and start a desperate chase for 4th place.
Still, Bayern have plenty of options and watch out for the mismatch between Goetze and a makeshift Dortmund right-back on the left flank, while Blaszczszykowski will try to exploit the space that Bernat will leave behind at the other end. WhoScored's match forecast shows that it is 'very likely' that Bayern 'will score as a result of an opposition error', but it is also 'likely' that Dortmund 'will create many scoring chances'.
LONG SHOT BETS
Olympique Marseille vs PSG: DRAW @3.20
Both sides seem to walk hand in hand as far as their form is concerned, with the two teams now returning to a positive run of form. Sometimes the work rate of Lavezzi is overshadowed, but up against Romao he may have the chance to shine.
In contrast the form of Florian Thauvin has been praised in the most part so far, and Maxwell's lack of pace could play into his hands. There are only two situations predicted in the WhoScored match forecast; that it is 'extremely likely' that Marseille will create many scoring chances, and 'very likely' that PSG will make a comeback if they go behind.
Leicester vs West Ham: AWAY WIN @3.10
Leicester's sinking feeling just won't stop right now, with 8 games without a win worse than any other team in the Premier League right now. There is only one 'extremely likely' outcome in the WhoScored match forecast and it is that West Ham will score from a set piece situation.
Everton vs Southampton: AWAY WIN @2.80
Both Everton and Southampton seem to have come out of a mini crisis - in a different way, obviously - but Saints are way more determined given that they need a real sprint finish to secure European football next season. The issue for Everton is highlighted by WhoScored's team characteristics, as the only 'very weak' aspect of their game comes when 'avoiding individual errors'.
Who will you be backing in this weekend's action? Let us know in the comments below
