It's a fixture list this weekend, with almost all of Europe's big clubs playing away from home. The result is many intriguing sets of odds with chances of success. Most interesting of all is the mother of all tests for Atlético Madrid against Barcelona.
LIKELY BETS
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.66
Two of the best teams outside of the big three in Spain clash in a real Champions League place play-off. It was 0-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey fixture but this will be a totally different matter. Villarreal have scored in each of their last 8 league games and Real in each of their last 10. Meanwhile, WhoScored's match forecast suggests that the Yellow Submarine will likely 'score from a wing play situation' and La Real will likely score 'as a result of an opposition error'.
Hull vs Chelsea: AWAY WIN @1.60
Mourinho's plan hasn't quite run like clockwork in the way everybody expected, but the team is looking better with each passing game. Things won't be easy at Hull, but this does look like the kind of game where José can make work his magic - meaning 1-0 or equally narrow victory. Hull will not see much of the ball, so it will be particularly difficult for them to score, and the WhoScored match forecast predicts that Chelsea 'will dominate possession'.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal: AWAY WIN @1.61
In spite of Aston Villa being 11th in the table, their home record is the second worst in the Premier League this season: only bottom-of-the-table Sunderland have obtained fewer points at home. Arsenal, meanwhile have the best away record in England's top tier, and have far too much confidence to drop points over at Villa Park. The WhoScored match forecast says that Gunners will control the game in the opposition's half.
TEMPTING BETS
Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: DOUBLE CHANCE 1X @1.70
The system deployed by Diego Simeone has been the most efficient in Europe so far this season, but this weekend it will have to contend with the comeback of Lionel Messi; he picked up a brace in the half hour of action he got in midweek. Most pertinently of all, the fortress that is the Calderon will play host to the most intense of games; Los Colchoneros dynamism against the never-ending passing of the blaugrana. Surely El Cholo won't allow his opponents any space or time to settle, and the momentum seems on their side. According to WhoScored's match forecast, it is extremely likely that Atletico 'will create many scoring chances', so given the attacking talent within their ranks, the odds on them avoiding defeat seem very, very tempting.
Montpellier vs Monaco: AWAY WIN @1.80
Their surprising home defeat in the last match before the Christmas break has seen the odds on Monaco rise, but three points against fourth-from-bottom Montpellier are much more likely than it may seem. It's very likely, according to the WhoScored match forecast, that Monaco 'will score from a set piece situation'.
Livorno vs Parma: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.83
This match could be the last chance for Livorno's manager, so a sporting fight is on the cards. Livorno have the second worst defensive record at home, while Parma have conceded 10 goals in their last 6 away league games. For Antonio Cassano, rumoured to be leaving to rejoin Sampdoria, this will be a game to show off his ability.
LONG SHOT BETS
Bologna vs Lazio: DRAW @3.1
Bologna have won just 2 league games at home this season, no team has won fewer, while Lazio are yet to win away from the Stadio Olimpico. Bologna have recently replaced their manager and will be boosted by the appointment of Davide Ballardini, while Lazio, after doing similar 10 days ago, will be more relaxed heading into the fixture following their league win over Inter in the week.
Ajaccio vs PSG: OVER 1.5 GOALS IN 1ST HALF @2.37
One thing that comes easy for Paris Saint-Germain is scoring, while bottom of the table Ajaccio have kept just 2 clean sheets all season. At home, 5 of Ajaccio’s 10 league games have seen 2 or more goals scored, with 3 of those coming in their last 4 league encounters. The WhoScored match forecast suggests 5 different ways that PSG will score, 2 of which are listed as ‘extremely likely’.
Sampdoria vs Udinese: HOME WIN @2.37
Potentially the best odds available this weekend. Sinisa Mihajlovic lost his first league match in charge since taking the Sampdoria job in the 2-0 defeat to Napoli, but his team struck the woodwork twice in the loss and were denied a penalty. Both played in midweek in the Coppa Italia, but Mihajlovic rested a large number of his starting XI, while Udinese were made to work for their 1-0 win over Inter, playing 8 of their 11 regular starters.
Who will your money be on this weekend? Let us know in the comments below
I have also to say big thanks ! Great Tips!
I really like this weekend's tips! almost 90 percent were succesful)