As we return from the international break this is one of those very rare weeks in which there is not really any direct encounters between clubs at top of the table in any of Europe's top 5 leagues. In the Premier League City host Tottenham but Spurs still haven't shown any signs of leadership, while Inter-Napoli is arguably the battle of the two biggest disappointments in Italy.
LIKELY BETS
Inter vs Napoli: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.72
Here are two teams in front of a mirror, realising the harsh reality of their limitations. Inter and Napoli have been brought back down to earth with a bump after what looked to be a promising summer in the transfer window. Walter Mazzarri is feeling even worse than Benitez right now and that's why this game is a bit more fundamental for the Nerazzurri than the Partenopei. However, Inter will be without four of their strongest XI due to injuries following the international break, while Napoli will be concerned as to why Higuain is still without a goal in the league despite playing decently, just waiting for the right chance to break that duck. Moreover, Benitez's side usually leave the initiative to their opponents when playing away against big sides, counting on lethal transitions through the likes of Mertens - a strategy that at the moment seems the perfect one to exploit Inter's frailties.
Mainz vs Augsburg: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @1.80
One of the few Bundesliga games that seems safe to predict few goals. Mainz are the only side in the league that are yet to concede a single home goal, while Augsburg boast the 5th best away defence. The odds reflect how unlikely an under 2.5 goals result is given the nature of the Bundesliga but this match could well be one of those rare occasions.
Lille vs Guingamp: HOME WIN @1.65
Generous odds here considering that this is about a solid, fourth placed team versus rock bottom of the table. The WhoScored match forecast suggests that Lille will 'likely' 'control the game in the opposition's half', giving us a pretty pretty clear idea of what to expect from the game.
TEMPTING BETS
Bayern Munich vs Werder Bremen: HOME WIN (-2) @1.72
Unexpectedly there are relatively high odds on seeing at least a 3-goal margin in the home side's favour given that this match is a 'first vs last' encounter and Bayern have scored 12 times in Munich, conceding only 1. WhoScored's match forecast gives 4 predictions, three of which point towards how Bayern are 'likely' to score.
Arsenal vs Hull City: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.83
The Gunners lack tempo when it comes to protecting their own goal. Only 6 Premier League teams have conceded more home goals so far, and at the same time only 6 have scored more goals overall than Hull. In addition, WhoScored's match forecast states that it's 'likely' that Wenger's men "will make a comeback if they go behind".
Deportivo La Coruna vs Valencia: AWAY WIN @1.83
Valencia's stunning start has been the ideal way to introduce themselves to their new owner and bottom of the table Deportivo have been far from composed upon their return to the top-flight. With decent odds on away win, WhoScored's match forecast lists plenty of options to feel confident of as much.
LONG-SHOT BETS
Levante vs Real Madrid: AWAY WIN (-2) @2.20
This looks for all the world to be the sort of game where Madrid's opponent end up more trashed then men at a bachelor party. Take a look at WhoScored's match forecast (above) and Real Madrid's potential dominance is abundantly clear. Consider also that Levante have scored none at home, conceding 9, and that Real Madrid have scored 12 away.
Manchester City vs Tottenham: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @2.25
In spite of the fact that the two sides seem to be on a different level, it's still not easy to see many goals in this game. Each of Spurs' last three league games have ended with under 2.5 goals scored while the same can be said for 2 of the last 3 for City. The hosts also have their trip to Moscow in midweek to bare in mind, which could be crucial if they are to make it through the group stages.
Genoa vs Empoli: HOME WIN @2.10
The positive thing for Empoli thus far is that the quality of their play has been pretty high considering their technical ability; the bad thing is that such a gap becomes more evident when they have away games against well-structured teams, like Gasperini's Genoa.
Do you agree with this week's tips? Let us know who you'll be backing in the comments below
