Chelsea & Liverpool Resume Rivalry in the Pick of the Tips
This weekend, football pits two teams so similar, and two so different against one another - Chelsea vs Liverpool and Inter vs Juventus.
Chelsea vs Liverpool - Over 1.5 in 2nd Half @1.83
Conte vs Klopp adds to the occasion on Friday night, both on and off the pitch. As human beings, they are probably different as Conte doesn't have the same sense of humour as Klopp, but they both possess that same burning passion for football right up until the full time whistle, that will for victory that drives them until the end. In the language of football, they use similar words.
Their style of play is extremely similar, in that their game is vertical and fast, and their philosophy to impose it in any situation and for this reason; they both deeply respect one another. So they have studied, they are prepared and they won't leave anything to chance, but have forged careers by their ambition to win with their style, so won't renounce in any way in their pursuit of victory. Pressing, pushing, stealing; all verbs that in normal life could have a negative meaning, but that in football, and in this game, will mean a respectful but open challenge between the two teams.
Chelsea will be without John Terry, replacing him with the calamitous Luiz, while Liverpool can't rectify their defensive issues. Antonio Conte is looking to move from the outside in, from Hazard and Willian to Diego Costa, with the trio licensed to target Dejan Lovren. For Liverpool, Klopp knows that Firmino can exploit the way Cahill will struggle alongside Luiz. The WhoScored Match Forecast speaks volumes. There are three situations predicted; two are 'Very Likely' - Liverpool to score as a result of an opposition error and Chelsea to do it as a result of individual skill - and the third 'Likely' one is of Chelsea to make a comeback if they go behind, so goals for both teams, but especially in the second half.
Click here for the full match preview for team news and the predicted line ups
Over 1.5 goals after the interval seems to be worth exploring and the odds favour the punter at 1.83 on Bet365. Looking into it, Chelsea have seen three or more goals scored in three of the four Premier League second halves this season, so if you feel the need to risk it, with over 2.5 goals in the second half available at 3.75.
Inter vs Juventus - Juventus (-1) to win @3.50
Inter are on their knees - what a story some might say - after being humiliated at home by Hapoel Beer-Sheva. The Nerazzurri, a month and half after De Boer was appointed, are exactly where they were the day the Dutchman was hired, while Juventus are flying high again. True, they were held to a draw with Sevilla, but the midweek stalemate was a game they largely dominated and where they were punished more by their arrogance than their opponents. It was a reality check for the Juventini, which is actually the worst thing for the Interisti ahead of this game.
Both teams will field their best XI, with just the two long-term injured duo of Ansaldi and Marchisio sidelined. Allegri may rotate to rest Dani Alves, but it would be a big boost for Lichtsteiner, who last summer was close to joining Inter. More so than the Argentine strikers duel between Mauro Icardi Gonzalo Higuain, the wingers’ job could be more crucial. Lichtsteiner and Alex Sandro can dominate Nagatomo and D'Ambrosio, as has happened in recent encounters.
Click here for the full match preview for team news and the predicted line ups
It might be that the valuable crosses by Candreva won't be enough. The biggest league win for Juventus at Inter was a 4-1 win back in 1928. Can they top that? Surely they can win, where valuable odds of 1.95 are available, but the odds on Juventus winning by at least two goals is at 3.50, which has only happened twice in last 40 years.
Fiorentina vs Roma - Draw First Half @2.20
Neither of these teams are on a good run of form. Fiorentina have struggled to match their own ambitions, while Roma are reeling from their constant inconsistency. These uncertainties can slow the start of the game, as recovering from a mistake could be harder than usual.
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Marseille vs Lyon - Draw @3.40
The Olympiques’ respective starts to the season has been just a wave of ups and downs. This time around, Lyon must be cautious after the sheer effort they put into Champions League to beat Dinamo Zagreb.
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Hertha Berlin vs Schalke - Draw @3.40
The perfect opening to the season for one, the exact opposite for the other. While the contrasting predicaments should not be analysed in too much depth considering how different the start of the season has been for the pair and considering the campaign’s infancy. Schalke though are still looking for their best form in the league, and will look to keep things tight after being involved in the midweek Europa League action.
Click here for the full match preview for team news and the predicted line ups
What are your top tips for the weekend's action? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
