Serie A and La Liga serve up a treat this weekend. In Spain there is a replay of what was almost the 'final' last season, while in Italy rivalries will be rekindled in the Derby del Cupolone and in the game that Juventus will take to Naples.
LIKELY BETS
Napoli vs Juventus: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.90
These teams met just 3 weeks ago in what was a breathtaking Supercup final, won by Napoli on penalties after a thrilling affair. That match might have altered the teams' relative levels of confidence: Juventus were the clear favourites, with everything to lose, but now they come into this game with only 1 win in their last 6 games, and they look like they are starting to wobble. Napoli needed to show themselves that - in spite of not being the strongest - they could again become the plucky underdogs against the best sides. Moreover, a win in Cesena for the Partenopei in their first game of the year shows that they can avoid dropping points against the 'lesser' teams.
Much will depend on the form of Hamsik, who could continue his fresh start to 2015, having registered 2 assists and forced Cesena's own goal in that game. Juventus, meanwhile, will count on Paul Pogba, who could have some luck up against Maggio on the left side. In San Paolo, these teams tend to produce entertaining games, while Juventus have conceded at least once in each of their last 4 games; something that hadn't happened in nearly a year.
The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests way for both Napoli and Juventus to score: Napoli will 'dry likely' score 'from a fast break situation', while Juventus have 4 different ways to reach the net, each one classified as 'Likely'. Both teams should get on the scoresheet.
Chelsea vs Newcastle: HOME WIN (-1.5) @ 1.575
Simply unstoppable at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have recorded 9 consecutive home wins, and 8 of those 9 have come with at least a 2-goal advantage. The WhoScored Match Forecast predicts 3 different ways for Chelsea to score, and, what is more, they are regarded as 'Very Likely'…
Real Madrid vs Espanyol: HOME WIN (-1.5) @ 1.275
Who can really believe that Madrid will drop points again? Plus, they have 5 consecutive home wins, but what is even more important is that each one of those came with at least a 2-goal advantage.
TEMPTING BETS
Everton vs Manchester City: AWAY WIN @ 1.90
Everton are in one of their worst spells of form in their recent history: with 4 consecutive defeats, they haven't experienced anything similar to this run since the 2005/06 season! That time, the run reached 6 consecutive defeats. Manchester City have an open streak of 11 games without defeat, the best in the Premier League and the second best in Europe after Bayern's 17. Last but not least, the WhoScored Match Forecast is just one long list of how City will overcome Everton.
Inter vs Genoa: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.90
For Inter it seems almost impossible not to concede goals, as has happened in 6 of their last 7 league games, but actually the same has happened to the highly impressive Genoa when they are away from home, with both teams scoring in 6 of their last 7 games on the road. The WhoScored Match Forecast predicts goals for both sides here.
Lille vs Caen: HOME WIN @ 1.80
The whole of Lille's season is built on their home performances, while Caen are without a win in 8 games, the worst current streak in France. In the WhoScored Match Forecast, it is 'Likely' that Lille will at least 'dominate possession', and that should lead to chances for the hosts.
LONG SHOT BETS
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.95
Barça couldn't face a more difficult game right now, with the unity and team spirit the colchoneros are showing exactly what is missing from the team at Camp Nou, both inside and outside the dressing room. Simeone will prepare the his team for another battle, playing a scrappy game perfectly suited to his team. It shouldn't be forgotten that Atletico have seen under 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 5 away games.
Roma vs Lazio: DRAW AT HALF TIME @ 2.20
There is no need to remind you just how incredible are the vibes around this game. What makes it even more important this time around is that it is a clash between top Serie A sides: Roma 2nd, Lazio 3rd; they haven't shared these positions since 2007. Roma have closed the gap with Juve 1 point, but cracks in their play have developed, and these could be even more stressed by the derby.
Lazio are coping despite defensive mistakes - maybe the only real issue they have - which have contributed to 3 last 4 away games being level at half time. The link on the right could be lethal for the biancazzurri: Totti against Radu helped by Maicon running from the back, while on the other side Holebas will have to take care of the tireless Candreva.
Bastia vs PSG: AWAY WIN (-1.5) @ 2.20
The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests it is 'Likely' that PSG 'will control the game in the opposition's half'. Bastia don't lose at home often, but when they do, it always turns rather sour: 6 of their 7 home defeats over the past two Ligue 1 seasons have been by at least 2 goals. So, if you believe that PSG will win, you should believe they will do so convincingly.
What are your top tips for this weekend's football? Let us know in the comments below
