WhoScored Tipster: RVP's Return and the Madrid and Turin Derbies
Whilst Bayern Munich were the first team in Europe's top 5 leagues to claim their respective title, Manchester United followed suit shortly afterwards with Monday's win over Aston Villa, and this weekend sees the possibility of Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint Germain going a long way to completing the set. A win for the Catalans coupled with a Real Madrid loss would see them claim back the Primera title, while Juve are in a similar position, requiring a win and a Napoli loss to retain the Scudetto, and PSG can potentially go 12 points clear with 4 games to go. Here, it is with the Premier League winners and crucial games in the Spanish and Italian championships that we focus our attentions.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid - Preview
In a dress rehearsal of the Copa del Rey final, Atletico Madrid have the chance to help Barcelona secure the league title and rip it from the now tame grasp of their rivals Real. More importantly, though, the gap between the two sides from the Spanish capital is currently 3 points, so a win for Atleti would reduce the deficit to mere goal difference. The game is naturally a high octane affair; the last 5 meetings have seen 33 cards dished out, with 15 goals scored in the last 4 of those.
Los Blancos have a fantastic record against their bitter enemies, winning each of their last 9 meetings in all competitions and losing none of the last 22 in the league. After the disappointment of Wednesday's 4-1 defeat in Germany, Jose Mourinho's men could still be reeling and this might just be the perfect chance for Atletico to finally end their dismal run. They will have to start the game at a high intensity, looking for a goal at the earliest possible opportunity. A goal has been scored in the first half hour in each of the sides' last 9 meetings, as well as 16 of the last 17. Furthermore, on 8 of those occasions, that first goal has been netted in the first 10 minutes, as both teams look to draw first blood. This game will be one of the most important Derbi madrileños in recent years, and could well see early drama. Bet on a goal in the opening half hour at 1.60.
Arsenal vs Manchester United - Preview
Robin van Persie's return to the Emirates Stadium could scarcely be a worse prospect for Arsenal fans than it currently is. The fact that United won the title at Old Trafford last week means they won't claim it in North London on Sunday, but instead, van Persie's former teammates and fans will be forced into forming a guard of honour for the title winners to enter the pitch through. The mood of the fans is hardly likely to be congratulatory and the hostility they show towards their former favourite could only serve to motivate him into adding to the 17 goals he has scored in his last 17 Premier League appearances on his former stomping ground.
Late drama is not uncommon in clashes between the teams, and each of their last 3 meetings have seen goals deep into the second half. Additionally, only Arsenal (18) have scored more goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season than United (15). Both teams have been exceptional at winning points with late goals this season, and this tie could too be swayed by strikes late in the day. A goal in the 76th minute or later can be backed at 1.91.
It being Robin van Persie's return to his former club, it is tempting to look at what exactly he might do on Sunday. He has scored in the last 3 clashes between the teams - twice for Arsenal, once for United - and, of course, knows the Emirates very well. After a recent goal drought he has recaptured his form, scoring 5 times in his last 3 games, and he could well be spurred on by the home crowd's taunts this time out. United have won 6 of their last 7 matches against Arsenal, and with a Premier League points record within reach but dependent on victory here, they certainly still have reason to go for broke. A special on the Red Devils to win and Robin van Persie to score anytime, at odds of 5.00, will be a popular bet, and for good reason too.
Torino vs Juventus - Preview
Depending on Napoli's result at Pescara on Saturday, Juventus might have the chance to secure their second consecutive Serie A title on Sunday, this time a short journey away at rivals Torino. The Old Lady may not have conceded a single goal in any of their last 7 league derbies, but Torino are scoring freely at present, having netted 9 times in their last 4 games. However, they have only picked up a solitary point in those games, losing memorable matches [5-3] to Napoli and [4-3] to Fiorentina in that run. The relative minnows will have the added motivation of wanting to derail their rival's title ambitions, and should break through a typically stubborn Juventus defence. However, the bianconeri will not roll over easily, and should outscore their opponents. An away win with over 2.5 goals scored between the teams can be backed at 2.50.
