Many of the biggest leagues around Europe are winding down now with just a matter of weeks to go. But that doesn’t mean that there is a shortage of significant games, as there are some very important fixtures to be played this week in the Premier League and Serie A. But, which way should gamblers bet on them going? Check out the latest soccer tips to find out.
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Liverpool’s long wait to get their hands on the Premier League title finally comes to an end on Wednesday night, as they will officially be crowned Premier League champions in the final game of the season at Anfield. Chelsea will not be there to simply make up the numbers, as there will be huge pressure on them to get something out of the game before they close the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
Liverpool’s form has been inconsistent since officially winning the league title as they have won just twice in their last five. That run of form means that there will be no home record or record points tally for Jurgen Klopp this season, but that will refuse to take off the gloss from what has been an exceptional season for the Reds. They will be keen to end the season with a win, but Chelsea will know that they still need to pick up valuable points to end the season in a Champions League place. The Blues have won two of their last three, and come into this game after beating Manchester United in the FA Cup.
The Reds hold the advantage over Frank Lampard’s side as they have already beaten them twice this season. Chelsea have also recorded a success against Liverpool, as they knocked them out of the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Chelsea have lost just once in their previous nine visits to Anfield. The draw would be the preference for this fixture.
AC Milan vs Atalanta
Two sides that are still looking for valuable points in the race to finish in the European places in Serie A will meet on Friday. This is a huge fixture for AC Milan, as Atalanta already appear certain to be finishing in the Champions League places. Milan have a fight on their hands to finish in the Europa League places as they have to overcome the challenge being laid down by Napoli and AS Roma. However, their recent form has been exceptional.
Milan have been unbeaten in their last six, and have won four of their previous five games. They are level on points with Napoli, and the difference between the two sides is pretty close as they also have the same goal difference. The last four games of the season will be huge for Milan, but they will be aware that four wins out of four could likely be the only way in which they will finish in the top six.
Atalanta may still feel as though they have an outside chance of winning the Serie A title, but they will be relying on Juventus to drop more points. Atalanta have won two of the previous five meetings between the two sides, while Milan have won just once. There have also been two draws in that space of time. However, the preference for this fixture would be for the free-scoring away side.
Leicester City vs Manchester United
The biggest game on the final day of the Premier League season will see Leicester City take on Manchester United at the King Power Stadium. Both sides will be looking for the points that they need to secure a Champions League spot, and it would be extremely disappointing for the Foxes if they miss out on that spot as they had been in pole position to finish there throughout the season.
However, United’s form since the restart has meant that the Red Devils have been able to chip away at that difference, and they could go into this game against the Foxes needing just a point to achieve what some would have said would have been impossible. United face off against West Ham before going to Leicester, and a victory in that game with a big scoreline could also mean that United could potentially lose this game 1-0 and still qualify. Leicester will have a lot of pressure on them, as they will need to chase the win.
United will take pride from the head to head record between the sides as they have won eight of the previous eleven meetings. Leicester’s only win against United since returning to the Premier League in 2014 was their 5-3 success in that same season. However, the preference for this fixture would be United to get the draw that they need to book their spot in the top four.
Juventus vs Sampdoria
Juventus have been stuttering along over recent weeks, but there is now a little pressure on them to end the season with a couple of wins to wrap up the league title. The Old Lady have won just three of their previous six and could come into this game with just a three-point lead from the chasing pack. They will be keen to ensure that the sides chasing them don’t get a glimmer of hope.
Sampdoria would be an ideal opponent for Juventus, as they have very little to play for. They have a healthy advantage over the relegation places and aren’t going to compete for a European finish. However, they have improved over recent weeks as they have won five of their previous six games, but this will be a much bigger test.
Sampdoria have beaten Juventus on two occasions in their past five meetings. However, they haven’t beaten the Old Lady away from home since 2013. The preference for the three points for this game will be for the home side.
