The best games this week come in the Premier League, but that doesn't mean the best odds because at Old Trafford everything seems to point to an open game full of goals. The most intriguing tips come from going against the surprise package of last round of Europa League fixtures.
LIKELY BETS
Manchester United vs Liverpool: OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.70
If you think that goals are guaranteed with United, they are even more so with Liverpool: 20 of their 23 last league games have seen over 2.5 goals. There is a similar trend of late in United's home games; 3 of their last 5 in the league have gone over 2.5. Furthermore, the WhoScored Match Forecast indicates it is 'Extremely Likely' that Manchester United 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
Villarreal vs Athletic: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.72
A huge game in the race for 4th place in La Liga, this could have a huge impact on these teams' Champions League hopes. A win for Athletic would gave them a 10 point advantage over Villarreal, all but securing their qualification, so the Yellow Submarine will have to go all out looking for the three points. An entertaining game is the logical consequence.
Hamburg vs Nurnberg: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.61
This is a match-up between third- and fifth-bottom in the Bundesliga. Hamburg's defensive record is the worst in the Bundesliga this season, while Nurnberg have conceded an average of just under 2 goals per away game. WhoScored's statistically calculated characteristics stress that both teams have their 4 main weaknesses in defensive areas.
TEMPTING BETS
Cagliari vs Lazio: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 2.00
There's a toxic mood around Lazio, with the fans protesting against the president and making the team feel as though they are the away side when they're at home. However, this also means that when Lazio travel, the players feel like the pressure is off. In fact in 2014 they have earned more points away from the Stadio Olimpico than at their home ground. Meanwhile, both teams have scored in 9 of Cagliari's 12 home matches. The hosts are also without Astori (suspended) and will fear the 3-man Lazio attack, especially on the right, where Keita's speed can cause problems for any defender.
Eintracht Braunschweig vs Wolfsburg: AWAY WIN @ 1.90
Bottom face 5th this weekend, and it's an angry Wolfsburg side that Braunschweig have to contend with having lost their last two games. The visitors can't allow themselves to fall any further behind the final Champions League spot. 12 goals were conceded by Wolfsburg in those two defeats, which means their reaction can't be delayed anymore. WhoScored's match forecast suggests it is 'Likely' that Wolfsburg 'will score from a direct free-kick'.
Rennes vs Toulouse: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.80
Toulouse are a club to keep an eye on, as their goals per game figure is higher than the Ligue 1 average, which means the chances of both teams scoring is higher than it may seem at a first glance. In addition it is 'very likely', according to WhoScored's match forecast, that Toulouse 'will make a comeback if they go behind'.
LONG SHOT BETS
Fulham vs Newcastle: AWAY WIN @ 2.60
The team that have gained the fewest points at home in the Premier League this season host a Newcastle side that has drawn just the once on the road this term. In 14 away games, Newcastle have won 7 and lost 6, drawing against only Norwich on their travels. The Magpies have won 4 of their last 7 on the road, while Fulham have failed to win at Craven Cottage since the 2-1 win over West Ham on New Year’s Day, suggesting a Newcastle win could be on the cards.
Torino vs Napoli: AWAY WIN @ 2.15
Napoli this season have stuttered against teams that remain compact in defence and allow the Partenopei to take the initiative. Therefore, Torino's attacking mentality will leave space in behind the backline that can be exploited by the pace of Dries Mertens and José Callejón, with striker Gonzalo Higuaín on hand to provide the finishing touch.
Elche vs Betis: HOME WIN @ 2.37
Don't miss this: bookmakers increased the odds on Elche after Betis won their Europa League derby at Sevilla on Thursday, but Betis will be tired after the effort they put into that 1st leg and they will also be distracted by the return one. And by the way, Elche are 11 points above Betis in the table…
What are your top tips for the weekend's action? Let us know in the comments below
