The highlight this week is El Clasico, but there’s also a great game at the top of the Bundesliga. I’m expecting plenty of goals. You can bet on all of my tips here.
Werder Bremen 1 v 1 Mainz – Tuesday 17 December – Bundesliga – Both Teams to Score
Both of these sides are dangerously close to the relegation zone in the Bundesliga, so this is a great opportunity for them. Bremen have only won one of their last 11 league games, losing four of the last five. Mainz are a point above them in the standings. They are in slightly better form with four wins in ten games. However, they have lost 12 of their last 15 away league games. I’m going for a Draw and Both Teams to Score looks good too. It’s happened in 13 of Bremen’s 15 games this season and eight of their last ten against Mainz.
Borussia Dortmund 2 v 2 RB Leipzig – Tuesday 17 December – Bundesliga – Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals
These teams are aiming for the title and are in great form right now. Dortmund are third in the Bundesliga and have won four games in a row in all competitions. Leipzig went top at the weekend with another away win – they have now gone ten games unbeaten in all competitions. I think we can expect goals here. There have been Over 2.5 Goals in Dortmund’s last ten games and in nine out of ten for Leipzig. Both Teams to Score has also been a winner in plenty of recent games for both teams. As for the result, I’ll back a Draw.
Barcelona 2 v 1 Real Madrid – Wednesday 18 December – La Liga – Both Teams to Score
We’ve had to wait a long time for El Clasico but it’s finally here! Neither of these giants have been at their best this season but they still lead the way in La Liga. Barcelona are top of the table despite drawing at Sociedad on Saturday. They’re unbeaten in their last nine games overall and are on a 14-game winning streak at home in La Liga. Real Madrid couldn’t capitalise on Barca’s slip-up. They needed a late equaliser against Valencia which means that they are still level on points with their rivals. They haven’t beaten Barcelona in the league since 2016, which is why I have to back for a Home Win.
Everton 1 v 2 Leicester – Wednesday 18 December – EFL Cup – Both Teams to Score
Everton have had an upturn in form since Marco Silva departed, having beaten Chelsea and then drawn at Manchester United. This is another tough test for the Toffees. Leicester’s nine-game winning run came to an end on Saturday when they were held by Norwich. That run included a 2-1 win against Everton earlier this month. I’m going for an Away Win this time and I’m backing Both Teams to Score, which has happened in four of Everton’s last five games.
Hearts 0 v 2 Celtic – Wednesday 18 December – Scottish Premiership – Celtic Win
Celtic have won eight games in a row in the Scottish Premiership but are being chased down by Rangers, so can’t afford to slip up. They have won five of their seven away league games this season, and I don’t think this game will be too tricky for them. Hearts are having a poor season and are now 11th in the league. They have lost four of their last five games and have lost their last six games against the Bhoys. I like the look of an Away Win.