This week I’m looking at the semi-finals in the EFL Cup and Spanish Super Cup. There’s also a big clash as Ligue 1 resumes in France. Click here to bet on the game.
Manchester United 1 v 2 Manchester City – Tuesday 7 January – EFL Cup – Manchester City Win (1.65)
We’re moving toward the final of the EFL Cup and there’s a really exciting semi-final in store. Manchester City have lifted the trophy in the last two seasons but to do it again they have to overcome rivals Manchester United. The first leg takes place at Old Trafford, where Pep Guardiola’s side have won on three of their last four visits. The holders have won eight of their last ten games in all competitions, while United have only won two of their last five games. I think City will take an advantage into the second leg.
Valencia 1 v 2 Real Madrid – Wednesday 8 January – Super Cup – Both Teams to Score (1.50)
There’s a change in format to the Spanish Super Cup this year and this is one of the semi-finals. Valencia are in good form right now, having not lost any of their last seven games. Real Madrid’s unbeaten run stretches back a little further, though. They haven’t tasted defeat in any of their last 14 games, although three of the last four have ended in a draw. They have only lost one of their last five games in the Super Cup, so I’m backing them to win. I’m also betting on Both Teams to Score, which has happened in 13 of their last 15 meetings with Valencia.
Leicester 2 v 0 Aston Villa – Wednesday 8 January – EFL Cup – Leicester Win (1.40)
After a tricky spell in mid-December, Leicester have won their last three games. They have won eight of their 11 home games this season and it’s fair to say they got the easiest draw in the semi-finals. Aston Villa reached this round after they beat Liverpool’s youth team in the quarter-finals but that hasn’t masked their overall form. The Villans have lost six of their last ten games, including a 4-1 defeat to Leicester. I can only see a Home Win here.
Barcelona 1 v 1 Atletico Madrid – Thursday 9 January – Super Cup – Both Teams to Score (1.70)
It wasn’t a fantastic start to 2020 for Barcelona, who returned from the winter break with a draw at Espanyol. That result was their third draw in four games, which has largely been down to a poor defence. Both Teams to Score has been a winning bet in four of their last five games. Despite a disappointing first half of the season, Atletico have won their last four games and know how to make life difficult for Europe’s biggest teams. That’s why I’m going for a Draw here.
Rennes 2 v 2 Marseille – Friday 10 January – Ligue 1 – Both Teams to Score (1.80)
Both of these sides won on penalties in the Coupe de France at the weekend, but they’re in great form in the league. Rennes are up to third in table after winning five games in a row. They have also won their last five home league games. Marseille are second and have won eight of their last ten league games. Two teams in great form points to an exciting game! Four of their last five meetings have ended in a draw, and Both Teams to Score has been a winning bet in all four of those games. I’m backing the same this time.