All the attention this weekend is on the Etihad Stadium, with no other top teams clashing in the other big leagues. However, the punters should not miss out on a couple of interesting chances to be taken in La Liga, where the midweek Cup fixtures will have consequences.
LIKELY BETS
Manchester City vs Arsenal: HOME WIN @ 1.80
City again fell 2 points behind Chelsea last week, but this time it is crucial because the league leaders seem to have overcome their crisis. Dropping points against the Gunners would heavily affect City's confidence, as Arsenal are very inconsistent on the road, and especially poor against the top teams. Arsene Wenger has a typically long list of injuries to contend with, but will at least avoid having to face Wilfried Bony and Yaya Touré, who are the Africa Cup of Nations. However, a recovered Agüero could render City's absences forgotten, while Alexis Sánchez won't be able to do everything on his own yet again for the Gunners, who will need Giroud to raise his game. Sometimes Arsenal struggle to maintain composure, and the key in the WhoScored Match Forecast is that it is 'Extremely Likely' that Manchester City 'will score from a fast break situation'.
QPR vs Manchester United: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
United's unbeaten streak came to an end at 10 games against Southampton last week. QPR could give them the chance to get back on track given that they boast the worst defence in the Premier League. On the other side of the coin, they also have the 6th best home attack, and Van Gaal's side have seen both teams score in 6 of their last 8 away league matches. It is no coincidence that the WhoScored Match Forecast predicts it as 'Very Likely' that QPR 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
Udinese vs Cagliari: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.72
Two shaky defences meet here, but Udinese can count on the lethal instinct of Di Natale. These are the kind of games in Italy that usually end either 0-0 or with many goals. Let's bet on the second option, with Udinese desperate for a win after suffering from some poor refereeing decisions of late. Also, 7 of their last 9 league games have seen both teams score.
TEMPTING BETS
Valencia vs Almeria: HOME WIN (-1.5) @ 2.025
If you believe that Valencia will beat Almeria - and probably you should - then consider the fact that 6 of their 7 home wins have come by at least a 2 goal margin. What is more, the WhoScored Match Forecast lists only situations by which Valencia will score.
Bordeaux vs Nice: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.90
Ligue 1 is generally one of the lower scoring of the top European leagues, so the odds on Both Teams to Score are often rather better than in other leagues. That is even the case when it is likely as in this game, as Bordeaux have seen both teams score in 7 out of their 9 home games, while Nice have the 6th best attack in France.
Lens vs Oympique Lyonnais: AWAY WIN @ 1.85
Second-from-bottom face league leaders here, so the odds seem a gift not worth passing up. As if that isn't already enough, Lyon come into this match on the back of 5 wins in a row, while Lens have just 1 win in their last 5. The WhoScored Match Forecast says is is 'Very Likely' that Lyon will both score as a result of 'an opposition error' and through 'individual skill'.
LONG SHOT BETS
Parma vs Sampdoria: AWAY WIN @ 2.87
The transfer window seems to be ruining the beautiful machine that Mihajlovic's side had become. It has, however, not effected them enough to fear this Parma side. Given that the hosts also played in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, Parma certainly can't cope with two important games in so few days at the moment.
Getafe vs Real Madrid: DRAW (-1) @ 3.60
The demanding battle against Atletico will still be felt in the legs of the Merengues. That's not to say that they will stumble in this minor derby, and the odds on Madrid winning by just a 1-goal margin are insanely good. The chances of such a result seem even more likely considering that Getafe have not lost by more than a 1-goal margin since September.
Atletico Madrid vs Granada: DRAW (-1) IN THE 1ST HALF @ 2.62
The Copa del Rey hangover for Atletico will be eased by the fact that they will be playing at home this weekend. It has been the case all season that Simeone's men have never buried their opponents, and now more than ever they are unlikely to do so after the stress of the derby. Moreover, the Colchoneros have ended the first half with only a 1-goal advantage in 5 of their last 7 wins at home.
What are your top tips for this weekend's action? Let us know in the comments below
