The international break is finally over and we can all heave a sigh of relief as proper football takes centre stage once again.
The fun, entertainment and controversies should be back in full swing as the European clubs return to action in their various leagues, and that also means it is time for fans not only to enjoy but to also smile to the bank.
As to be expected, there’s a lot of action to look forward to this weekend in the top five leagues in Europe. As part of our tradition, Soccernet.ng have selected games that can earn you extra cash by placing a bet on the games.
Here are Soccernet.ng picks for the weekend.
Chelsea vs Newcastle (Premier League)
Chelsea are on a five match winning streak in all competitions and will seek victory when they host Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Frank Lampard’s side have put in a string of fine performances and are one of the most threatening teams in the Premier League, hitting 15 goals in total across their sequence of four successive victories.
But Newcastle claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Man Utd before the international hiatus and should provide a stern resistance to the Blues.
Match Facts
Chelsea have won their last 7 home matches against Newcastle in all competitions.
Chelsea have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 7 matches against Newcastle in all competitions.
Chelsea have scored at least 2 goals in their last 7 home matches against Newcastle in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Chelsea’s last 6 games (Premier League).
Match Predictions
The Londoners’ Stamford Bridge record against Newcastle is excellent, and Chelsea were victors in each of their last six Premier League home games against Newcastle, scoring 17 goals and conceding just three at the other end. (Chelsea to win and over 1.5 goals)
Tottenham vs Watford (EPL)
This is not the best of time for Spurs who are having one of their worst starts in recent memory with the Londoners 9th in the Premier League table with just 11 points from their opening eight matches.
Under-fire manager Mauricio Pochettino will seek to turn things around quickly following a shock 3-0 thrashing at the Amex Stadium last time out.
Watford are however going through worse times.
The Hornets’ are rooted to the bottom of the table having lost five of their eight games.
Match Facts
Watford have lost each of their last nine top flight away games against Tottenham, including all six in the Premier League.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 8 of Tottenham’s last 9 games (Premier League).
Tottenham have won 6 of their last 7 home matches against Watford in all competitions.
Watford have failed to win their last 12 matches (Premier League).
Watford have failed to score in their last 3 matches (Premier League).
Match Predictions
It’s hard to look beyond a home win on Saturday, and considering Watford have only found the net four times this season and once away from home we’re expecting an easy day at the office for Tottenham’s back line. (Tottenham to win)
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
The Eagles are up to 6th after beating West Ham 2-1 before the international break and shockingly find themselves only two points adrift of Manchester City in 2nd after eight games played.
Palace will undoubtedly take heart from their recent form, and from the fact they beat Manchester City at the Etihad last season, but the fact remains that this will be a monumental challenge for them.
Pep Guardiola’s floundering champions have already lost two Premier League games, with their most recent coming at home to Wolves before the international break.
City suffered a similar 3-2 loss at Carrow Road in September but followed that shock defeat by demolishing Watford 8-0. Palace should be wary of a similar response on Saturday.
Match Facts
Man City have won 10 of their last 11 away matches (Premier League).
Crystal Palace have seen over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches against Man City in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Man City’s last 5 away games (Premier League).
Man City have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 away matches (Premier League).
Match Predictions
Manchester City are overwhelming favourites and that is understandable for a team that have won 10 of their last 11 league games away from home. (Manchester City to win and over 2.5 goals)
Augsburg vs Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
Augsburg will face a Munich side still reeling from a shock home loss to Hoffenheim just before the international break.
Kovacic’s men will look unleash their wrath on the home team as the champions seek to swiftly get back to winning ways.
It will, however, take Augsburg the performance of the season to prevent Bayern from taking all 3 points this Saturday.
Match Facts
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 18 of Augsburg’s last 22 games (Bundesliga).
Bayern have scored at least 3 goals in 7 of their last 8 matches against Augsburg in all competitions.
Augsburg have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 6 home matches against Bayern in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Bayern’s last 8 games (Bundesliga).
Match Predictions
Preventing Bayern from securing a dominant win this Saturday will be a mission impossible for Augsburg. Bayern will be determined to bounce back quickly from their disappointing loss last week. (Bayern to win and over 2.5 goals)
*Match Facts provided by whoscored.com
