Christmas is over quickly when you are a manager. Not because you have to go back to work - everybody does in the end - but because the season of goodwill ends abruptly. At the Stadio Olimpico, for example, where Roma-Milan could be the last time in charge for one of the two managers, with both on the verge of being sacked.
Roma vs Milan - Draw First Half @2.20
It is actually surprising that both Rudi Garcia and Sinisa Mihajlovic are still in charge of their respective teams. The Giallorossi have problems everywhere - injuries, suspensions and they are conceding goals too easily. Fortunately, their superior technical quality is keeping them in Serie A’s top-five. It’s a similar disaster for the Rossoneri but in a different way - in their case it is becoming increasingly difficult to hit the back of the net and to boost morale to overcome any league rival. Both teams are too scared to lose and this will dictate their attitude coming into this one.
For that reason, odds of 2.20 from Bet365 of the first half ending in a draw seems the most reasonable bet. Even if Roma remain favourites, they might still miss the suspended Edin Dzeko, though they will recover Radja Nainggolan, Miralem Pjanic, Daniele De Rossi and Mo Salah, who when paired with Gervinho, adhere best to Garcia’s offensive demands. However, Roma must be wary of what Milan will bring up front, not the second debut of Kevin-Prince Boateng, but rather the mismatch of M’Baye Niang up against Antonio Rudiger.
Real Madrid vs Deportivo - Draw (-1) @5.50
The prodigal son is back home. The 6000 fans attending Zinedine Zidane's first training session gives a glimpse of the reception Zizou will receive, no matter the doubts persisting on whether he is ready for the job. In all fairness, Real Madrid didn't play poorly in the draw with Valencia, which says more about the logic behind Florentino Perez’s decision to sack Rafa Benitez than anything else.
The squad's reaction to change will be clear, but Deportivo are not easy to beat. They are in decent form having lost only one of their last nine league games. Real Madrid are favourites to win, but they will have to fight for three points given that it is ‘very likely' Deportivo ‘will make a comeback if they go behind' according to the WhoScored match forecast.
Real Sociedad vs Valencia - Draw @3.30
Everybody has been waiting for the moment to criticise Gary Neville, but he must be given time. However, there is a pretty staggering stat associated with Valencia - though Neville can’t be held accountable for that - which is that Los Che haven’t been on this long a winless streak (7 games) in the league in last 8 years. Real Sociedad aren't an exciting side at the moment, but they know how to get something out of a game when the going gets tough.
Carpi vs Udinese - Carpi to win @3.10
Not really a game to watch out for, but the odds are worth keeping an eye on. Udinese come into this following back-to-back wins, but have failed to record three successive league victories in the last 18 months. Meanwhile, Carpi have rediscovered their fighting spirit and in last three games have drawn with Lazio at the Olimpico, come close to drawing with Juventus and eliminating Fiorentina away in the Coppa Italia. They just need bit of luck. There is only one goalscoring situation listed in the WhoScored match forecast and it is 'Likely' that Carpi ‘will score as a result of individual skill’.
Rennes vs Lorient - Both Teams To Score @1.83
Ligue 1 is the lowest scoring league of Europe’s top five and that's why both teams to score odds always pay out higher than normal. It is worth tempting fate in this game, especially with Lorient boasting the fourth best attack in Ligue 1, but also the fourth worst defence away from home. For the WhoScored match forecast, it is also 'Very Likely' that Lorient ‘will make a comeback if they go behind’.
What are your top tips for the weekend's football? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
