The Christmas schedule brings so many games in England and a few in Italy with lot of history, but the present for the clubs involved isn't quite as bright. There should be goals in Spain and Germany, but possibly not in some of the French games.
LIKELY BETS
Inter vs Lazio: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.72
Before the game at Chievo, Inter had seem both teams in all 4 of their games under Roberto Mancini, and only Chievo's poor finishing meant it wasn't a 5th. Their defence is so shaky at the moment, while Lazio's wingers have what it takes to stretch the pitch in a way that might be fatal for the nerazzurri. We also must not be forgot that with Mancini Inter's attitude has changed; they are always proactive and look for the win, so that could open the game up again.
Mainz vs Bayern Munich: BAYERN TO WIN (-1) @ 1.575
Bayern already have an 11 points lead at the top of the Bundesliga. They simply beat anybody. And not just beat, they crush everybody. There isn't even really anywhere for them to strengthen in the winter break. Naturally, the WhoScored Match Forecast is a long list of situations predicting how Bayern will dominate and score.
Lorient vs Nantes: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.61
You never get great odds betting on a French game to have few goals. Something safe for the accumulator, this looks extremely safe as Lorient have seen Under 2.5 Goals in 5 of their last 7 home games, while Nantes have done in 6 of their 8 away games this season.
TEMPTING BETS
Roma vs Milan: HOME WIN @ 1.75
Roma have ridden their luck too many times of late, showing a decreasing level of confidence that started with the humiliating 7-1 defeat to Bayern. They are still some way ahead of Milan, who are aware of their own limits and mostly reliant on their team spirit. The rossoneri will look to stop their opponents and hit them on the counter-attack, but the home advantage in the last game of a demanding 2014 could tip the balance Roma's way. The left-back position has been an issue for the giallorossi, so Honda might have some joy, but that's nothing if we look at other end of the pitch where Gervinho might skin Bonera alive.
Eibar vs Valencia: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.90
Two sides who always play their own game, but with different quality and results. The key is in the main qualities stressed by the WhoScored database: among Eibar's strengths, 'Coming back from losing positions' is listed as strong; on the there side Valencia are said to be strong at 'Finishing scoring chances'.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Eintracht Frankfurt: OVER 3.5 GOALS @ 2.00
Eintracht are a goal machine. 5 of their last 6 games have seen at least 4 goals scored in total, and 11 of their last 15 have gone over 3.5. If you think about it, it is quite an average. It's no coincidence that in the WhoScored Match Forecast there is only one 'Very Likely' scenario: that Eintracht 'will make a comeback if they go behind".
LONG SHOTS BETS
Liverpool vs Arsenal: DRAW @ 3.50
It is sad that such a notable encounter has no significance at the summit of the Premier League. Liverpool, though, can’t fall any further than they have already and will surely return to winning ways sooner rather than later. This is a good chances to turn their fortunes around with the Reds aided by the problems that Arsenal are enduring this season.
For once, Danny Welbeck could be the one to shine for the Gunners, capitalising on the space left by the underwhelming Liverpool defence, while for the Reds, Raheem Sterling seems to be their only real goal threat. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests that there are 2 possible ways for Arsenal to score compared to 1 for Liverpool, though Liverpool’s is considered 'Extremely Likely'.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace: DRAW (-1 MANCHESTER CITY) @ 3.10
If you believe that Manchester City will win, then it’s worth noting that each of their last 3 home league wins have been by a single goal. Crystal Palace, despite their lowly league position, have just 3 losses to their name from their 8 away games this season.
Barcelona vs Cordoba: OVER 2.5 GOALS IN 2ND HALF @ 2.20
The story for Barcelona at home goes a little something like this - they relax in the first half before springing to life after the interval. In 4 of their last 5 home league games, there have been at least 3 goals scored in the second half.
What are your top tips ahead of this weekend's action? let us know in the comments below
