Domestic action returns in Europe this weekend after a couple of weeks break in order for international fixtures to be played. But, which soccer predictions should bettors be making this weekend?
RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich
There is a massive game in the Bundesliga taking place this weekend, as the top two clash at the Red Bull Arena. A win for either would be huge for their title chances this season, but RB Leipzig will see this fixture as a game that they can’t afford to lose.
Leipzig are four points away from Bayern Munich coming into the fixture this weekend. However, they have been in superior form to their Bavarian rivals, as they have won five from six. Leipzig’s last win came against Arminia, as Marcel Sabitzer scored the only goal in the tense meeting. Leipzig have the best defensive record in the league this season, but that will be put to the test against Bayern this weekend.
Bayern will be aware that a victory this weekend would almost certainly wrap up the league title. A seven-point advantage would be hard to come back from for any of the chase pack, especially considering that Bayern have lost just three games all campaign. Bayern have won their last four after a slight blip, which saw them go two without a win. They were routine winners last time out, as Robert Lewandowski scored a first-half hat-trick against Stuttgart.
The last four meetings between these sides have ended in draws, and we could see that outcome being the most likely this weekend, as neither side will want to lose the game.
Leicester City vs Manchester City
One of the games of the weekend comes in the Premier League, as two of the top four in the league meet at the King Power Stadium. Leicester City will still be looking for important points to consolidate their position in the Champions League places, while Manchester City are looking for another win to take them closer to regaining the league title.
Leicester went into the international break with the best possible result, as they beat Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. A piece of silverware and a place in the Champions League would illustrate an excellent season for the Foxes, but there is still work to be done if they want to be playing in Europe’s elite competition next season.
It doesn’t look up for debate that Manchester City will be crowned champions this season, but they will be looking to wrap up the title as soon as possible. City have won five of their last six fixtures in the league, and went into the international break having seen off Everton in the FA Cup quarterfinals. It will be a massive week or so for the Citizens, as they play the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinals following this game, which means Pep Guardiola may opt to make changes.
However, regardless of the changes that Guardiola makes, City will still have a team of experienced international players. Leicester will threaten to upset City, but it’s hard to look past the runaway leaders claiming the win.
Torino vs Juventus
Juventus have made a habit of stringing wins together to win the league title in the final third of the season. However, if they are to win the Serie A title this term, then they would need an almighty turnaround, coupled with a collapse from Inter Milan of huge proportions.
The Old Lady have disappointed throughout the season this term, and there was yet more evidence of that last time out, as they three-match winning run was brought to an end with defeat against Benevento. Juventus fell to a 1-0 defeat and failed to create any clear-cut chances in the 90 minutes.
Torino will be up for this game this weekend, as the form book will be forgotten about since it is a local derby. They come into the game at the wrong end of the league table, as they have lost three from four. However, they need to rediscover their form, as there is just one point separating themselves and the relegation spots.
Juventus have won the last three against Torino, and haven’t lost against their local rivals in the previous 14. We expect that run to continue with a much-needed victory for the Old Lady.
Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid
A couple of weeks ago it seemed as though the LaLiga title race was over. Atletico were sailing at the top of the league table, and it looked unlikely that Barcelona or Real Madrid would find the consistency needed to close on the league leaders.
However, Atletico have allowed the Spanish giants back into the title race over the past couple of weeks, as they have won just two of the previous four. That poor run of form has left just four points separating the top two. Defeat this weekend against Sevilla could allow Barcelona to close to within one point.
Sevilla will make it difficult for Atletico this weekend, as they look to cement their place in the Champions League positions. They have a comfortable ten-point cushion coming into this round of fixtures, and are unbeaten in their last three. However, they were held in their last game, as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against Valladolid.
This is one of the biggest games of the season for Atletico, as defeat could give the chasing pack the confidence they need. Atletico have still lost just twice this season, but we can see them dropping points this weekend, with a draw the most likely result.
