Some teams will be required to put in the extra effort in Europe this weekend as they aim to achieve their goal. The race for a Champions League spot will go a long way to being decided this round it what will be a crucial set of fixtures for different reasons.
Chelsea vs Manchester City – Draw @3.40
Manchester City fans have enjoyed some of the most exciting days in their history this past week having secured a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League, so it would understandable for them not to play to maximum efficiency at Chelsea. Their future in the competition, though, will still play on their mind as they are battling with Manchester United for a place in the Champions League next season with just four points separating the pair. Chelsea have become more solid under Guus Hiddink, but nothing more.
It may be in Chelsea’s best interests to deploy a gameplan to limit Manuel Pellegrini's most potent players to secure at least one point. Mind you, Chelsea are unbeaten at Stamford Bridge since December and have drawn six of eight home games in that run. The seventh draw from nine is tipped at 3.40 over at Bet365. The WhoScored match forecast suggests three scenarios predicting City to score, but the only one deemed 'very likely' concerns Chelsea’s attack.
Inter vs Napoli – Over 2.5 Goals @2.00
The last time these two teams met saw Napoli secure victory and move to the top of Serie A for the first time in 26 years. Their respective downturns in form is proof of how things can quickly change in football with Inter now struggling to keep pace in the race to secure Champions League football and Napoli now relying on Juventus to slip up to return to the summit.
Inter will be disciplined, but it is seemingly impossible for them to avoid conceding. Napoli are without the suspended Gonzalo Higuain, but while their attacking threat has diminished, they are still able to create and penetrate defences. After boasting a solid defence in the early months of the campaign, Inter are now conceding goals left, right and centre.
Bayern Munich vs Schalke – Both Teams To Score @1.95
Bayern had a good scare in their Champions League meeting with Benfica. It was another demonstration that when Spring has sprung, no team is as ruthless as they looked in Winter. Schalke arrive after holding Dortmund and are still in the midst of a the race for a Champions League finish.
Bayern have conceded in two of their last four home games, which is a anomaly for the Bavarians. Defeat for Schalke would likely end their hunt for a Champions League finish as they are currently three points behind fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen, who themselves host a disappointing Eintracht Frankfurt.
Barcelona vs Valencia – Both Teams To Score @1.75
Sometimes football throws up the unimaginable. Two weeks ago nobody could have predicted Barcelona would slip up this badly. Maybe it is no coincidence that they faded now that Lionel Messi’s form has dipped. Poor Valencia, who are now compelled to face them in the game following the surprise Champions League exit.
Not only are Barcelona’s attackers struggling, but their defence has also faltered in recent weeks. Valencia are slowly gaining points and are already better than they were under Gary Neville. Barcelona are obviously favourites, but they could concede again, as they have done in four of their last five home games, while Valencia have scored in three of their last five away games. The WhoScored Match Forecast also suggests it’s ‘likely’ that Valencia ‘will make a comeback if they go behind’.
Lyon vs Nice – Lyon To Win First Half-Second Half @2.37
Second face fourth with only a two points separating the pair. Nice’s away performances mirror that of a mid-table side, while Lyon come into this tie with six wins and one draw from their last seven home games, and have been leading at half time in five of those six victories. There is only one ‘very likely’ scenario in the WhoScored match forecast, which concerns Lyon controlling the game in the opposition half.
What are your top tips across Europe this weekend? Let us know in the comments below
