It's already match point. At least it could be in the Premier League and the Bundesliga, which is odd considering that the Germans are back in action for the first time since Christmas. Accumulators could have value with bets on the weekend's big games.
LIKELY BETS
Genoa vs Fiorentina: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
Genoa play a dynamic brand of football, while Fiorentina are transforming into a more reliable side than their former tuscan tiki-taka style, with the departure of Juan Cuadrado. The Grifone have no difficulty finding the net, and prefer to play their game without worrying about whether they will concede, an attitude perfectly suited to this Fiorentina side. Moreover, Genoa have seen both teams score in each of their last 5 matches, while Fiorentina have done in their last 4.
Atalanta vs Cagliari: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
This looks set to be one of those Italian games ending 0-0 or 3-3… Zola isn't quite the same box of tricks he was as a player as he is as Cagliari's manager, but he is trying to improve results whilst continuing their entertaining displays. They have the third best away attack in Serie A, but also the fifth worst away defence. Furthermore, the WhoScored Match Forecast tells us that it is 'Likely' that Cagliari will 'score as a result of individual skill' and Atalanta will do so 'from a fast break situation'.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: HOME WIN AT 1ST HALF @ 1.53
It is very unusual to find such high odds on Real Madrid to be ahead after 45 minutes, considering that they have been in front at half time in 6 of their 8 home games this season, and the other games were against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Needless to say that the WhoScored Match Forecast is overloaded with ways in which Real Madrid will score.
TEMPTING BETS
Werder Bremen vs Hertha Berlin: HALF WITH MOST GOALS - 2ND @ 2.00
These two teams usually start slowly, but explode into life in the second half. 18 of Werder Bremen’s 26 league goals have been scored after the interval, while 22 of Hertha’s 35 goals have come after half time. The WhoScored match forecast suggests it is the 'very likely' that Werder Bremen ‘will make a comeback if they go behind'.
Eibar vs Atletico Madrid: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 2.25
Offers on this bet are particular tempting as not many teams have been able to score against Atletico in La Liga this season. However, Eibar have been surprise package of the campaign and have seen both teams score in 3 of their last 5 home games, while the same has happened in 3 of Atletico’s last 5 league matches away from home.
Metz vs Nice: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.90
As usual, these kind of bets usually pay more as the goal average in Ligue 1 is lower than in other leagues. Metz boast the 6th best home attack in France’s top tier, but also the 6th worst defence. Nice, meanwhile, have scored 7 goals in their 3 league matches in 2015.
LONG SHOT BETS
Chelsea vs Manchester City: DRAW 1ST HALF @ 2.20
Chelsea will be playing this big match without Costa and Fabregas, who have provided 17 goals and 15 assists in the league this season. The Blues, however, have far more momentum than City, but Pellegrini may have to take his biggest risk of the season in this game - though he can't afford to lose.
It will be the usual 4-2-3-1 formation from both sides, with Willian perhaps tasked with replacing the personality of Fabregas, and Milner on the opposing side charged with thwarting the threat of the Brazilian. In the middle Drogba should open up space for the runs of Hazard, while Terry and Cahill will struggle with Aguero's pace and both will be taking particular care early on.
Wolfsburg vs Bayern Munich: DRAW @ 4.33
The chances are that André Schürrle won't be available in time, but this still represents the final chance for Wofsburg to make life difficult for Bayern. It must be considered that Bayern have drawn 3 of their 8 away games, and in 3 of their last 5 they ended the first half on level terms.
Ribery will be out, but he is replaceable, though Lahm's absence is far more of a concern. Robben will be hard to handle for Rodriguez but, if fit, Perisic could also make the most of Rode's lack of experience at right-back. The WhoScored match forecast suggests it is 'likely' that Bayern 'will score from a wingplay situation' or 'as a result of an opposition error'. However, it is also 'likely' that Wolfsburg 'will create many scoring chances'.
Caen vs Saint Etienne: AWAY WIN @ 2.25
Third from bottom Caen face fourth placed Saint Etienne this weekend but the hosts' consecutive wins have boosted the odds on an away victory, which still remains the most reasonable bet. WhoScored's match forecast suggests as much, only listing situations from which les Verts are likely to score.
What are your top tips for this weekend's action? Let us know in the comments below
