WhoScored Tipster: The Weekend's Top Tips in Europe

Emotions are expected to run high this weekend in households across Europe as the schedule throws up some top clashes in Spain, Italy and England. Best prepare that sofa for another key run of games this season. 

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid - Draw First Half @2.25 

Perhaps the draw in Eindhoven in midweek was the first real sign that Atletico Madrid are in the midst of a minor crisis. Yet it could be the shot in the arm required against Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid, whose side looks to be constantly relying on their star players to turn fixtures in their favour. It may be strategy that works against the so-called lesser teams in La Liga, but not the top sides and especially not against Diego Simeone’s team. Real host La Liga’s biggest teams in the next two months, and this meeting could expose Los Blancos’ ability to take control of games.  

Simeone will likely deploy a patient style in order to frustrate the hosts, with Koke hoping to get the better of Dani Carvajal. Meanwhile without Gareth Bale, it's all about Cristiano Ronaldo and his ability exploit the space between Gimenez and Juanfran. 

Juventus vs Inter - Draw Half Time/Juventus Full Time @3.75 

Tuesday’s crazy game against Bayern will have robbed Juventus of all their energy, but Inter are the best opponent to recover. It may still be the Derby d'Italia and the fiercest rivalry in the country, but the Nerazzurri are currently fearful of every opponent. It’s not even about the quality of football, but rather an issue of confidence that affected their performance against Carpi.  

Juventus’ comeback will have taken it out of them, so they won't be at their best - though they have not been in top form in that last month - and Inter will be more focused than usual, but as the minutes tick by, the Bianconeri's quality will have an impact on the outcome. Inter are missing Marcelo Brozovic, so the midfield will be depleted, while Juventus have Hernanes ready to replace the injured Claudio Marchisio. Paulo Dybala, given his best form, could exploit Jeison Murillo’s uncertain approach to defending. There isn't really a position where Inter are in better shape than Juventus, but Jonathan Biabiany on the right could exploit Alex Sandro’s tendency to press forward.  

Manchester United vs Arsenal - Draw @3.30 

United are ravaged by injuries and that was made worse prior to their Europa League victory when Anthony Martial broke down with a hamstring problem in the warm-up. Arsenal, on the other hand, were beaten by Barcelona, but that was expected and Arsene Wenger can now focus on their title challenge. Defeat for United would surely end their hopes of finishing inside the top-four, something Louis van Gaal cannot afford to do. This game could be decided by the work of both teams’ No.10’s, with Mesut Ozil and Juan Mata, with the WhoScored Match Forecast predicting scoring outcomes for both teams - a draw could be on the cards.

Barcelona vs Sevilla - Draw Half Time/Barcelona Second Half @4.33 

Barcelona are practically unstoppable at the moment and despite Sevilla’s fine season, they have yet to win away from home this term, which is remarkable when you consider they are fifth. Luis Enrique’s side have hosted four clubs in the top half of the table this season and in three of those matches, they have been drawing at half-time before going on to seal the win in the second half. The same could be true when they welcome Unai Emery’s side to the Camp Nou on Sunday. 

Fiorentina vs Napoli - Draw @3.30 

Napoli have encountered their first tricky period of the season. Gonzalo Higuain’s drought was extended to four games in all competitions after he drew a blank in the Europa League on Thursday and he needs to recapture his early season form if Napoli are to keep pace with Juventus. In six of their last seven games they have struggled to break down teams that have set up to be ultra defensive. It's worth noting that Fiorentina are only six points behind Napoli, so they also have high hopes for the remainder of the season, which could produce another stalemate here.

What are your top tips this weekend? Let us know in the comments below