There will be plenty of football action across Europe this weekend and here is a look at some of the exciting things to watch out for.
Atletico to take advantage of vulnerable Barca?
Diego Simeone will be hoping to take full advantage of Barcelona’s recent inconsistent form to register his first home win against them in La Liga. What is more is that on eight occasions they have lost to Barcelona by a single goal, six of those times ending in a 1-2 scoreline. It goes without saying that Lionel Messi has effectively played the role of tormentor in chief, as he scored six times whilst registering one assist during that period. A win for the Colchoneros will see them move to the top of the table for the first time this season whereas Barca could end up in fourth place depending on results elsewhere. The visitors will be without Ivan Rakitic, and Philippe Coutinho is a doubt whilst Messi lacks match fitness since fracturing his arm. If the hosts can take advantage of this conspiracy of circumstances, they could register their first league win in over eight years.
Total football as Hertha hosts Hoffenheim
Hertha will take on Hoffenheim at the Olympiastadion Berlin in what promises to be one of the most exciting matches to be played on Saturday. Hertha have failed to win any of their last five games in the league and it has to be noted that they conceded seven goals in total in their previous two league fixtures, although they occupy the top half of the table and they are a real force at home. For that reason, Pal Dardai’s men stand a good chance to grab something from this encounter. Hoffenheim, on the other hand, have won their last four consecutive games in the top flight and a win here could see them move into one of the Champions League places. We can expect both sides to play with purpose from the very onset and you can look forward to a good match from two highly efficient sides.
AC Milan’s woes to continue?
We expect to see fireworks when Lazio and AC Milan face each other at Stadio Olimpico this Sunday. The Biancocelesti drew their last game away to Sassuolo in the league, but they have been more convincing at home than in their travels. Whereas the hosts will want to cement their place in the top four, they are aware that a match against Milan will be anything but a walk in the park. The Rossoneri are just back from a heart-breaking 2-0 loss to Juventus. During that match, Gonzalo Higuain missed a penalty in the first half before being sent off in the second half and therefore will not be available for selection. From the foregoing, Genaro Gattuso’s men have a lot to worry about heading into this fixture, and a home win looks very likely. You can back Lazio to take the points at odds of 1.80.
Even contest between Nice and Lille
Nice will play host to Lille at the Allianz Riviera in one of the most evenly contested matches in prospect in Ligue 1. Nice have won their last four consecutive fixtures in all competitions, but this one is surely going to give them a different challenge. Les Aiglons have kept a clean sheet in each of their previous three league fixtures, consequently, we think that that they are going to put in the work defensively come Sunday. Les Dogues, for their part, are having an incredible season and consistency will help them book their place in Europe. The two sides have been turning out with great expansive football in the French top flight, and it is very likely that the two teams are going to share the spoils here. Click here to bet on Sunday’s match.
PSV to extend their impressive unbeaten record.
PSV are having a season to remember following their 100% win record in the Eredivisie this season. They will play host to Heerenveen this coming Saturday in what promises to be another routine win for the Dutch champions. The visitors are not having a very good season as they lost to struggling Groningen in their last outing. There is a great chance that PSV will win whilst both teams will score in the process. This has been the case in five of the last six meetings between PSV and Heerenveen, where the hosts have won all of their league games th