League football and Cup games across Europe major leagues continue this weekend with some big clashes taking place. The title race is heating up in the Italian Serie A and Spanish La Liga, while FA Cup takes centre stage in England.
With a lot of matches to be played this weekend, Soccernet.ng in its usual fashion picks out games that fans should consider putting money on.
Valencia vs Barcelona (Spanish La Liga): The Champions will attempt to maintain their grip at the top when they travel to the Mestalla to take on Valencia.
The Blaugrana sit on top of the La Liga table although on goals difference and will be hoping to maintain that position when they take on Los Ches.
Quique Setién started his Barcelona career with a 1-0 win over Granada last weekend, and a 2-1 win over Ibiza in Copa Del Rey on Wednesday.
Valencia meanwhile will be hoping to bounce back after suffering a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Mallorca last weekend.
Match Facts
Barcelona are undefeated in 28 of their last 31 matches against Valencia in all competitions.
Valencia are undefeated in their last 11 home matches (LaLiga).
Valencia have seen under 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 home matches against Barcelona in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Barcelona‘s last 6 away games (LaLiga)
Betting Tips: Although Barcelona won their last two games, it was a laboured win. Valencia playing at home will be fired up, especially after last week’s disappointment. Both teams will have a go at each other, so this one should see both teams to score and over 2.5 ( BTS or Over 2.5)
Bayern Munich vs Schalke 04: Bayern Munich will hope to stay in contention with league leaders RasenBallsport Leipzig when they take on Schalke 04 at the Allianz Arena.
The Champions are currently four points behind The Red Bulls and knows failure to pick up the maximum points against Schlake could be costly.
Both teams go into the match on the back of impressive wins last time out. Bayern put four goals past Hertha Berlin last weekend, while Schalke were 2-0 winners against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Match Facts
Bayern have won 17 of their last 20 home matches (Bundesliga).
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 13 of Bayern‘s last 14 games (Bundesliga).
Bayern have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 6 matches against Schalke in all competitions.
Bayern are undefeated in their last 20 matches against Schalke in all competitions.
Schalke are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 matches (Bundesliga).
Betting Tips: Just three points separate second-placed Bayern and fifth-placed Schalke, so this will not be easy for the Bavarian giants. ( Bayern win or Over 2.5)
Inter Milan vs Cagliari (Italian Serie A): Inter have dropped four points in their last two games, and that has allowed Juventus to take an outright lead in the race for the Serie A title.
The Nerazzurri are currently four points behind the champions but could reduce the gap to just one depending on Juventus’ clash against Napoli later on Sunday. They face a Cagliari side that sit in sixth place but have failed to win their last three matches.
Match Facts:
Cagliari have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 9 matches (Serie A).
Inter have seen over 2.5 goals in 10 of their last 11 matches against Cagliari in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 8 of Cagliari‘s last 9 games (Serie A).
Inter have been winning at both half time and full time in 6 of their last 7 matches against Cagliari in all competitions.
Betting Tips: With so much at stake, this should be a win for Antonio Conte’s men, although not without difficulties. (Inter Win and Under 3.5)
Shrewsbury Town vs Liverpool (Emirates FA Cup): Following their win over Wolves which maintained their unbeaten run in the Premier League, Liverpool turn their attentions to the FA Cup when they travel to League One side Shrewsbury Town.
Jurgen Klopp will make changes to his side, but the Reds should still possess enough quality to see off the League one side.
Betting Tips: It will be a different Liverpool side, but anything other than a routine win will be a shock. ( Liverpool win).
Manchester City vs Fulham (Emirates FA Cup): The FA Cup is one of the tournaments that City could realistically win now. Pep Guardiola side are likely to lose the defence their Premier League crown with Liverpool currently 16 points clear.
With the Premier League gone, City will put all energy into FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League. They host Fulham in the FA Cup, and it should be a routine win for Guardiola’s side.
Match Facts
Man City have won their last 8 matches against Fulham in all competitions.
Man City have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 6 matches against Fulham in all competitions.
Man City have won their last 7 matches (FA Cup).
Man City have scored at least 2 goals in their last 9 matches against Fulham in all competitions.
Betting Tips: This should be a comfortable win for City ( City win and Over 2.5).
