Despite it still being so early in the season, there are two games this weekend that could decisive come May. But while Manchester City against Chelsea was always going to be a tie-breaker in the title race, it is something of a surprise to be referring to Milan vs Juventus in relation to the fight for the Scudetto.
LIKELY BETS
Manchester City vs Chelsea: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.60
Chelsea's confidence, which has resulted in 4 league wins from 4 and 15 goals scored, took a hit in midweek after the highly unexpected home draw with Schalke. It is a reflection of just how important Diego Costa is to them at the moment that they failed to win. Mourinho has confirmed that Costa will start, and so it is likely that the Blues will find the net at least once.
City have a bitter taste in their mouth after a defeat they didn't deserve at the Allianz Arena and that will surely play a part. 3 goals scored in 3 appearances so far for Agüero could be increased if Dzeko opens up space for him to exploit with his speed against John Terry. It is no coincidence that the WhoScored Match Forecast predicts as 'Very Likely' that Chelsea 'will create many scoring chances' and 'score as a result of individual skill', while at the same time Manchester City will 'Likely' find the goal 'from a wingplay situation'.
Leicester vs Manchester United: AWAY WIN @ 1.65
For Manchester Unitedn now "the mind is free" (as Fabio Capello said in the 2010 World Cup after winning the first game, but as we know, that time didn't bring much more success). A 4-0 over QPR removed some the tension at Old Trafford, but United won't be given an easy time at Leicester. The WhoScored Match Forecast predicts that Manchester United will 'Likely' score 'a long shot', and a moment like that could be the difference.
Olympique Marseille vs Rennes: HOME WIN @ 1.60
Bielsa's armada is gathering momentum. They are the only team in France currently on a streak of 3 consecutive wins, in which time they have scored 8 goals and conceded just 1. There will therefore be plenty of alarm bells ringing for Rennes: the WhoScored data stresses that they are 'Weak' at 'defending against skillful players' and also 'Very Weak' at 'defending set pieces' and 'avoiding fouling in dangerous areas'.
TEMPTING BETS
Levante vs Barcelona: AWAY WIN (-1 BARCELONA) @ 1.52
This seems a straight-forward victory for the visitors. Barcelona have scored 6 and conceded none, while Levante have scored none and conceded 5 in La Liga this season. To make matters worse for the hosts, Luis Enrique rested a number of key players for the Champions League win over APOEL in midweek. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests it is 'Extremely Likely' that Barcelona will net 'as a result of a through ball'.
PSG vs Olympique Lyonnais: HOME WIN (-1 PSG) @ 1.88
Unfortunately for Lyon, it looks as though they will be the ones paying the price for the Parisian’s frustrations in front of goal in the disappointing 1-1 Champions League draw with Ajax. Lyon have lost both of their league games away from home this season and the WhoScored Match Forecast suggests three different ways for PSG to score.
Getafe vs Valencia: AWAY WIN @ 2.03
An unbeaten start to the season sees Valencia enter this fixture 2nd in La Liga, while Getafe have lost 2 of their opening 3 league games. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests Valencia will dominate the game, with it 'Very Likely' the visitors 'will score from a wingplay situation'.
LONG-SHOT BETS
Milan vs Juventus: DRAW @ 3.27
The Inzaghi effect appears to be rubbing off on the Milan players. The former striker would give his all for 90 minutes and the Milan boss is looking for similar this season. It’s difficult to see, however, whether this is enough to fill the huge technical gulf between Milan and Juventus. The defending champions often struggle when they make the trip to the San Siro, even when the Rossoneri are not at their best. Inzaghi will be missing both of his starting centre-backs, but in truth, they have been the weak link so far. Star Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is likely to start on the bench following injury, while much of Massimiliano Allegri’s focus will still be on the Champions League. Juventus’ creative midfield means the visiting side have the ability to take the initiative, but Milan's quick transitions from defence to attack may determine the outcome. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests it is 'Very Likely' Juventus 'will control the game in the opposition's half'.
Palermo vs Inter: DRAW @ 3.38
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has placed a lot of confidence in manager Giuseppe Iachini, but after 2 defeats and 1 draw in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, Zamparini's trigger finger may become itchy if he feels it is right to relieve another manager of his duties. Palermo will remain extremely tight defensively, while Inter, after a demanding trip to Kiev in the Europa League, may struggle in front of goal, especially if Mateo Kovacic is sidelined through injury. The two may cancel each other out and a draw might be a good shout when betting on Serie A this weekend.
Schalke vs Eintracht Frankfurt: DRAW @ 3.83
Jens Keller's position appeared under threat, but the midweek draw with Chelsea looks to have bought the Schalke boss some time. The energy-sapping performance at Stamford Bridge, though, could have a big part to play in the meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt, however.
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