This is the time of the year when the punters look for the smart bets. Clubs are involved in European semi-finals, while others are fighting to reach their targets in their respective leagues, be it chasing the title, a European spot or top-flight safety.
LIKELY BETS
Liverpool vs Chelsea: HOME WIN @1.66
This was dubbed the game of the season before José Mourinho threatened to name a weakened team for the trip to Anfield after a stalemate at the Vicente Calderón. Liverpool will likely welcome the under-strength Blues to Merseyside with open arms, if that’s the case. Mourinho has given an indication which team he will select, but it may not matter when you consider Liverpool have won each of their last 11 Premier League games. However, the last team to beat them was Chelsea back in December as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to make it a record-equalling 14 consecutive league wins to guarantee the title. Given the Reds have scored at least 2 goals in their last 14 home league games, coupled with their recent run of form, the odds are particularly favourable.
Valencia vs Atlético Madrid: AWAY WIN @1.75
Atlético endured a physically demanding game against Chelsea in midweek and the worst is still to come at Stamford Bridge. Their hunt for the title might have been jeopardised if they weren't playing a side with little to fight for in La Liga. Valencia are still involved in the Europa League as well, where they need to overcome a two-goal deficit in the second leg and they are thus the perfect opponents for Atlético. The Spanish capital side have won each of their last 8 league games, keeping a clean sheet in 7. The WhoScored match forecast lists three ways in which Diego Simeone’s side will score.
Cagliari vs Parma: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.83
Parma are looking to defend their Europa League spot, while Cagliari have nothing but pride to play for, though they have scored in 11 of their last 12 home league games. The WhoScored match forecast indicates that it is 'likely' Cagliari 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
TEMPTING BETS
Roma vs Milan: HOME WIN @1.80
Roma's manager Rudi Garcia is still hammering on the same button, saying that his team will fight for the title until the very last. That is the best approach for a big game against a side coming into the clash on the back of 5 wins in a row, the longest such run Milan have enjoyed in 3 years. Only 1 team is on a better winning streak than Milan, though, and that is Roma.
Augsburg vs Hamburg: HOME WIN @1.85
Hamburg should be motivated to win in their battle against relegation, but in spite of that they still haven't managed to win more than once in their last 6 outings. Augsburg are still in the race for a Europa League spot, and though they haven't been brilliant of late, the WhoScored Match Forecast predicts it as 'Likely' that they 'will score from a fast break situation' so it could be time they hit form again.
Evian vs St. Etienne: AWAY WIN @2.15
This should be no contest between Evian (who could become almost certain of Ligue 1 safety if PSG beat Sochaux, as is expected) and St. Etienne, who are defending their Europa League spot and have only been beaten by PSG in their last 6 league games.
LONG SHOT BETS
Southampton vs Everton: AWAY WIN @2.55
Everton's race to snatch the Champions League spot from Arsenal's grasp is still very much alive, with the Toffees just 1 point behind having won 8 of their last 9. Southampton, meanwhile, have already began to ease off the gas and have won only 1 of their last 5 games.
Real Madrid vs Osasuna: DRAW FIRST HALF @4.33
Surely Ancelotti won't let La Liga slip away, but Madrid have had troubles in unlocking defences in home games already, so imagine in how difficult it will be in a game in the middle of the Champions League semi-finals against an Osasuna side lurking just above the relegation zone.
Bayern Munich-Werder Bremen: DRAW FIRST HALF @3.25
Bayern have no real interest in this game, with their attention going to be completely taken away by avoiding a defeat that would label this recent spell under Guardiola in a negative way. Werder Bremen have actually ended the first half on level terms in 2 of their last 3 games.
Who will your money be on this weekend? Let us know in the comments below
good luck all :)