Marseille this weekend have the chance to not only beat Monaco's on their own turf but also establish themselves as the second team in Ligue 1 (though Bielsa will want even more than second place). Yet more importantly, it is a weekend that could put lump further pressure on Brendan Rodgers, while in San Siro Milan and Napoli will experience the weird feeling of playing against each other with neither team even in the top 4.
LIKELY BETS
Chelsea vs Hull City: HOME WIN (-1.5 CHELSEA) @ 1.55
The 3 points dropped at St.James' Park will be enough for Mourinho and Hull will face a merciless performance from the Blues here, and a 2-goal cushion (at least) is on the cards. The WhoScored Match Forecast lists several different ways that Chelsea will tear Hull apart, so backing a (-1.5) handicap could be even too cautious.
Almería vs Real Madrid: OVER 1.5 GOALS IN 2ND HALF @ 1.53
Almería sacked their manager Francisco Rodríguez this week, but that is unlikely to inspire anything against the unstoppable Real Madrid. Maybe it will just mean a slightly more difficult start to this game, but they are specialists in devastating opponents as the minutes wear on, especially away from the Bernabeu. In fact, in 6 of their 7 away league games this season there have been at least 2 goals scored after half time. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests 3 ways in which it is 'Very likely' that Real Madrid will score. For Almeria it's a case of 'play and pray'.
Hertha Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.80
Dortmund seemed to have already taken their foot off the gas in the Champions League and will now try and save their league campaign. Last week it was a great win for the WhoScored Tipster on Dortmund's Under 1.5 Goals against Hoffenheim (marvellous odds of 6.00); but this time with Hertha, who have the third worst defence in the Bundesliga, it is a different story: 5 of Dortmund's 7 away games this season have seen both teams score.
TEMPTING BETS
Palermo vs Sassuolo: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83
It always makes sense to bet on both teams scoring when Sassuolo are involved, as this has happened in 6 of their last 9 league games, while either side has netted in each of Palermo’s last 4 Serie A matches. A WhoScored strength of Palermo’s is ‘creating scoring chances’, while 5 of their statistically calculated weaknesses focuses on defending.
Manchester United vs Liverpool: HOME WIN @ 1.80
Depending on which side in red you support, this could be the best or worst time for Liverpool to travel to Manchester United. Little by little, Louis van Gaal is restoring confidence at Old Trafford, something that is missing this year at Anfield. Ángel Di María may be missing for United, while Falcao is struggling for fitness, but who needs either now that Robin van Persie has rediscovered his goalscoring touch?
Van Persie could enjoy this fixture if he is up against Kolo Touré, although Van Gaal must be wary of the threat Raheem Sterling brings should he find space to run at the United defence. The WhoScored match forecast suggest it is ‘Very Likely’ that Manchester United ‘will score as a result of an opposition error’.
Hoffenheim vs Eintracht Frankfurt: OVER 1.5 GOALS IN FIRST HALF @ 2.00
One Bundesliga game that is guaranteed goals at either end. Hoffenheim specialise in entertaining from the off - in 4 of their last 5 home games, there were at least 2 goals scored in the opening 45 minutes.
LONG-SHOT BETS
Monaco vs Olympique Marseille: AWAY WIN @ 2.80
It took lot of effort for Monaco to win their Champions League group and secure a better draw in the next round. Marseille couldn't have hoped for more in the build up to this clash, considering how difficult is to face their dynamic brand of football, and Bielsa will be grateful of a little help for his team. El Loco still isn't aware if he will have Imbula, Thauvin and Payet available, but Jardim is in a worse situation, with no Kurzawa, Kondogbia or Berbatov and possibly Toulalan, too. The man on the left could be key for both sides: Ferreira-Carrasco is in great form, but André Ayew, often Olympique's unsung hero, could benefit from Fabinho's marking - or lack thereof.
Milan vs Napoli: Draw at half time @ 2.25
Last year's encounter between these teams will remain historical as the game in which Mario Balotelli missed a penalty. This time around Inzaghi even knows before the game that he doesn't have a reliable centre-forward on whom to count. This will be a cagey affair because both teams are in situations which mean they cannot play carefree football. If Montolivo is back in time to play (as expected) things could actually turn in favour of Benitez's side. Milan need Montolivo's ball-playing ability, but Napoli prefer to leave the initiative to their opponents and play on the counter. In the end though, considering the huge pressure on the game, it will take a while to open up.
Getafe vs Barcelona: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.70
Don't be fooled by those 3 up front: 3 of Barcelona's last 5 away games in La Liga have ended with no more than 2 goals (as in 4 of Getafe's last 5 home games). This bet won't come in easily, but the odds undoubtedly justify the risk.
What are your top tips for this weekend's action? Let us know in the comments below
great calls especially the barcelona -2,5