WhoScored Tipster: Derby Delight Hogs the Limelight in this Week's Betting Tips
It’s an incredible coincidence that this weekend coming, there are three major derbies across Europe’s top 5 leagues. True, a local derby is not uncommon, but this time around, the three most heated city or regional rivalries all take place in the same round.
Roma vs Lazio – Draw @3.50
Surely the most thrilling derby in western Europe, but can be considered the strangest, in the standings at least. The two ‘Curvas’ in the past have been the main attraction, but this time it will be eerily quiet. Roma's won't attend in protest, while Lazio's are showing solidarity with their cross-town rivals. There have been just three draws in the last 18 competitive meetings between these two, though those have come in the last six clashes and this could be the time to split the points once more.
Don't be misled by Roma’s advantage in the table - i Giallorossi are struggling to perform against the big teams. Their main issue remains the space left behind when they take the advantage, and the inability to limit the opposition from creating chances. Lazio will look to exploit the key absences of Maicon, Miralem Pjanic, and possibly Alessandro Florenzi and Daniele De Rossi. It will be the lightening pace of Antonio Candreva against Vasilis Torosidis that should be key to opening up Roma, while Lazio have to double mark Gervinho.
Arsenal vs Tottenham – Arsenal win @1.72
The North London Derby gives Arsenal the chance to swiftly wipe the slate clean post-Bayern. Tottenham, meanwhile, were involved in a very demanding Europa League meeting with Anderlecht on Thursday. Spurs have been consistent this season, though Arsenal were the Premier League team of October. If the game at Allianz hasn't left any open wounds, Arsenal can keep their fine league form going, with their pace troubling Tottenham, who have failed to win a competitive game at the Emirates since 2010.
Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke – Dortmund & both teams to score @2.37
The Ruhrderby comes at a time when Thomas Tuchel is restoring Borussia Dortmund’s pride. The only reason Die Schwarzgelben aren’t sitting atop the Bundesliga is due to Bayern's unstoppable form. Schalke are inconsistent at the moment and will be without key trio Benedikt Hoewedes, Matija Nastasic and Atsuto Uchida. Attacking pair Shinji Kagawa and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are in fine form, while for Schalke, the offensive onus lies on Max Meyer’s shoulders.
Odds on Dortmund are incredibly low, so to find a way to make money, it would be wise to combine a home win with goals scored. The home win and both teams scoring is at 2.37. Schalke boast the joint-third best away record, where they have scored in four of the five league games this season. The WhoScored Match Forecast suggests it is 'likely' that both teams will create many scoring chances.
Barcelona vs Villarreal – Draw first half/Barcelona second half @3.75
Villarreal's great start of the season has been built at El Madrigal, but they have been drawing at half time in each of their last four away league games. Barcelona will struggle to break down the visitors early on, but it's hard to deny them for 90 minutes. They are without Lionel Messi, Ivan Rakitic and Javier Mascherano, but the Yellow Submarines are without their fair share of key players.
Sevilla vs Real Madrid – Draw half time @2.50
Real Madrid have laboured against strong opponents this season, while injuries continue to pile up for Los Blancos. Sevilla come into the fixture following a hefty Champions League defeat to Manchester City, so the pressure is on them to not concede. Don’t underestimate fatigue setting in for the players after the demanding midweek win over PSG.
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