Category: previews

Manchester United hold a healthy lead over their rivals in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League. On Sunday, the Red Devils will host Burnley as they look to consolidate their hold on second place.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side has been playing some fantastic football in recent weeks and they’ve so far won all their matches since returning from the international break.

The Reds have won each of their last four matches, including home and away victories against Granada in the Europa League. Fresh from reaching the semi-final of the Europa League, Manchester United will be hoping to continue with their winning run when Burnley visits Old Trafford.

Unfortunately for Sean Dyche’s side, they are currently enduring a miserable run of form. Burnley have lost each of their last two Premier League matches and it may just be the wrong time to be coming up against an in-form side like Manchester United.

However, the Clarets are not new to causing upsets. They’ve already beaten Liverpool and Everton this season and also recently held Leicester City and Arsenal to draws.

These are impressive results and if Burnley can produce a similarly spirited performance against Manchester United, then they could cause Solskjaer’s side a lot of trouble.

In terms of injuries, both teams do not have any major concerns. Marcus Rashford is nursing an injury but is expected to start for Manchester United on Sunday after being rested in midweek.

Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay also missed the game against Granada due to suspension and will be available for selection against Burnley.

Meanwhile, the Clarets also have Chris Wood back in action and will be counting on the Aussie and his strike partner Matej Vydra to get something out of this game.

As of the time of writing this piece, Betika prices Manchester United at 1.40 win, Burnley also has a winning odd of 8.50 and a draw is priced at 5.20.

The FA Cup returns this weekend with some big matches to look forward to. Chelsea will clash with Manchester City in the semi-final of the competition on Saturday, April 17, 2021.

The Blues have been on an impressive form since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel and are on course to finish the season on a high. Having narrowly seen off Porto in the Champions League quarter-final, Chelsea will now turn their attention to the FA Cup.

The London outfit has a rare opportunity to win a trophy but it won’t come easy. Their opponents, Manchester City, are the most in-form side in Europe and have all but wrapped up the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola’s side holds an 11-point lead over second-placed Manchester United and are firmly in contention for an unprecedented quadruple.

Just like Chelsea, Manchester City beat Borussia Dortmund to reach the semi-final of the Champions League and they are currently in the best shape possible.

On current form, there is very little that separates both teams. Manchester City have lost just two matches since November while Chelsea have also lost just two times since Tuchel took charge.

Both sides also have fit squads to select from. Thiago Silva has returned to full fitness while Tammy Abraham is also available for selection for Chelsea.

For Manchester City, though, Sergio Aguero is the only doubt, having suffered a muscle sprain that ruled him out of the midweek’s game against Dortmund.

Despite the trickiness of the game, Manchester City are favourites to win. As of the time of writing this article, the Citizens are priced by Betika at 1.86 to emerge victorious. Meanwhile, Chelsea is also priced by the same bookmaker at 4.75 to win and a draw is priced at 3.75.

Everything points to a game that will be keenly contested.

Getafe vs Real Madrid betting preview

Real Madrid are definitely among the most in-form teams in the world at the moment. The Blancos made a slow start to the season but they are now firmly back in business.

As they prepare to face Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, they’ll be going into the game on the back of a strong record. Zinedine Zidane’s side hasn’t lost since January, a record that proves their invincibility.

Having also just eliminated Liverpool to qualify for the semi-final of the Champions League, Real Madrid’s confidence is currently over the roof. That coupled with last week’s win over Barcelona has made the Blancos strong contenders for the title.

They sit only a point behind table-toppers Atletico Madrid and a win on Sunday could see them usurp their rivals at the top of the table, depending on the results of the Rojiblancos.

Unfortunately, though, Real Madrid will have to do it without a number of players. The Blancos were missing a few players when they played both Barcelona and Liverpool last week.

Sergio Ramos, Lucas Vazquez, Raphael Verane and Eden Hazard are all out injured and are not expected to feature against Getafe on Sunday.

The home side also has its own problems. Getafe have won just once in their last 12 matches in the league and their form has been a real source of worry. They are also just three points above the relegation zone and are, therefore desperate for points.

That means Real Madrid cannot underestimate them. This is a game between two teams with important missions, Real Madrid fighting for the title and Getafe battling to avoid relegation.

Betika has a 1.73 odd for punters who pick Real Madrid to win, while a win for Getafe is also priced at 5.60. Meanwhile, a draw is priced at 3.70.

It’s been a tough week for Barcelona who will be aiming to return to winning ways when they face Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey on Saturday.

The Blaugrana were on an impressive run before last week’s Clasico defeat to bitter rivals Real Madrid. That defeat saw Real Madrid move ahead of them on the league, as the title race gets keener.

Now, though, Barcelona have the chance to win their first trophy of the season and gain the early bragging rights over their rivals. Standing in their way, though, is an Athletic Bilbao team who are also currently struggling.

Los Leones are languishing in 11th position in La Liga, having lost their last six matches in all competitions. They also recently suffered an agonizing loss to Real Sociedad in the delayed final of last season’s Copa del Rey.

The above points to a side that is badly out of form but Athletic Bilbao have often been tough customers for Barcelona, especially in cup competitions.

Should they kick into gear and find their rhythm on Saturday, it won’t be an easy affair for Barcelona, who will be desperate for a win. Despite losing to Real Madrid last week, Barcelona are just two points behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.

Ronaldo Koeman has not been able to pick Gerard Pique for matches due to a niggle injury but the center-back should be fit to return to the starting line-up this weekend.

Athletic Bilbao also have no injury problems and will be relying on the qualities of Asier Villaibre and Ibai Gomes to get the necessary result against Barcelona.

As of the time of filing this article, Barcelona are priced at 1.58 by Betika to win, while Athletic Bilbao have a winning odd of 5.80. A draw is, however, priced at 4.60.

One of the biggest games this weekend in the Premier League will see Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Red Devils have been in imperious form of late and they’ll be looking to consolidate second place on the league table. Meanwhile, Tottenham are also aiming to secure a place in the top four after improving in recent weeks.

More than just three points at stake, are two managers who are silently building up a rivalry. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho have no love lost and have never shied away from aiming jabs at each other.

In October when Manchester United and Spurs met at Old Trafford, the latter emerged victorious after smashing Solskjaer’s side 6-1. That humiliating defeat is yet to be forgotten and the Reds will be looking for revenge.

After a 2-0 win over Granada in the Europa League quarter-final first leg in midweek, Manchester United are in good spirits ahead of this clash.

For Tottenham, though, it’s been a bumpy season thus far but they’ve lost just once in their last six Premier League matches. Spurs will also have the complement of a full squad, with the exception of Son Heung-Min, who has been ruled out due to an injury he suffered some weeks ago.

Solskjaer is also expected to have a full squad to pick from, with the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani all fit to play. However, the Reds boss will have to decide whether or not to play Marcus Rashford, who is nursing an injury but started against Granada in the Europa League.

The only Manchester United player not available for selection is Eric Bailly who tested positive for COVID-19 while on international duty with the Ivory Coast.

Betika tips Manchester United as slight favourites with a winning odd of 2.50, while Tottenham is priced at 2.90 to win the game. Meanwhile, a draw between the two sides is priced at 3.50.

All odds are accurate at the time of writing this article.

Arsenal will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to Sheffield United on Sunday. The Gunners have been very inconsistent in recent months and results have not been good enough.

However, they’ll be facing a side that is equally limping in the Premier League. This is probably a clash between two clubs with the worst form in the English topflight at the moment.

Sheffield United have lost each of their last four league matches while Arsenal are equally winless in their last four games in all competitions.

And after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Slavia Prague in the Europa League in midweek, the Gunners will be aiming for a swift recovery. Currently languishing in 10th place, Arsenal’s chances of finishing in the top four are all but over, however, they can still qualify for the Europa League.

That makes Sunday’s game a must-win for Mikel Arteta’s side. Their work has also been cut out, as they face the 20th-ranked side in the Premier League. Sheffield United look destined for relegation after securing just 14 points from 30 matches this season.

Arsenal have very little to worry about in terms of suspensions and injuries. Bukayo Saka is fit again and featured against Slavia Prague in midweek, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Thomas Partey and Emile Smith-Rowe are all expected to start.

For Sheffield, though, they’ll look to keep it tight at the back but the likes of David McGoldrick, Oli McBurnie and Ben Osborn are goal threats and can hurt any opponent when given the chance.

Arsenal are, however, huge favourites for this game. As of the time of writing this article, the Gunners are priced at 1.62 by Betika to win and Sheffield is priced at 6.00 to cause an upset.

A draw is also priced at 4.10.

The Europa League returns this Thursday, with some interesting fixtures to look forward to. For many neutrals, their eyes will be set on Manchester United’s clash against Granada.

The Red Devils will travel to face the Spanish side in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes. In what has been an unpredictable season so far, Manchester United are bound to take the game very seriously.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sits comfortably in second place in the Premier League but they also risk ending the season without any silverware, unless they can go all the way in the Europa League.

With Manchester City running away with the Premier League and Manchester United exiting the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, the Reds’ only chance of winning a trophy remains in the Europa League.

Fortunately, the English side has no major injuries and Solskjaer will have a full squad to pick from. Eric Bailly is the only player set to miss out after testing positive for Coronavirus while on international duty with the Ivory Coast.

However, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani are all expected to start, while Marcus Rashford would face a late test to prove his fitness after limping off during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

For Granada, though, it’s been a hugely successful season for them. The Nazaries are playing in their debut season in Europe but have already overachieved.

They may not be fancied to go past Manchester United, but the La Liga outfit has shown that they can sometimes take on the big boys. This season alone, they have already beaten Real Sociedad, Valencia, PSV, Sevilla and Napoli.

Bekita prices Granada at 6.20 to win the game, while Manchester United has an odd of 1.62 to carry the day. Meanwhile, a draw between the two teams is priced at 3.90.

This season’s Europa League is gearing up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. It’s been a full package so far, with some upsets springing up here and there.

As the quarter-final fixtures kick off on Thursday, Arsenal will be looking to take a healthy first-leg lead when they face Slavia Prague at the Emirates.

The Gunners are enduring an underwhelming season and now face a real possibility of missing out on a place in Europe next season. Currently occupying 10th in the Premier League, Arsenal didn’t do themselves any favour when they lost 3-0 to Liverpool last week.

Mikel Arteta is a man under intense pressure and will be hoping to turn things around when Slavia Prague come to town. Unfortunately for Arsenal, though, their opponents are as tough as they come.

The Czech Republican side has not tasted defeat in their last 21 matches in all competitions, stretching to last December. Slavia Prague have also proved to be giant killers in the Europa League this season.

They’ve already eliminated two British clubs from the competition – Leicester City and Rangers – and are now gunning for a third casualty. In their domestic league, Slavia Prague are also comfortably 14 points clear at the top.

On current form, the Czech Republican side looks on top. However, Arsenal cannot be completely ruled out. Despite failing to win any of their last three games, the Gunners boast a superior squad and have better players.

The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka can change the course of matches on their own.

But Slavia Prague equally have their own warriors. Peter Olayinka, Jan Kuchta and Abdallah Sima have torn teams apart in the Europa League and will do the same to Arsenal if allowed the space.

Betika, however, prices Arsenal as favourites with an odd of 1.54 while Slavia Prague is priced at 6.00. A draw is priced at 4.10.

The Spanish topflight will witness one of its biggest games this weekend when Sevilla and Atletico Madrid lock horns at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Sunday.

Both teams have been inconsistent this season, but Atletico stands as slight favourites in this one. Diego Simeone’s side currently sits at the top of La Liga, although Real Madrid and Barcelona are firmly on their heels.

Atletico are four points ahead of Barcelona while Real Madrid are a further two points behind. However, their form has been porous in recent weeks. Despite making a bright start to the season, Atletico have won just four of their last 11 matches in all competitions.

They were also recently eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after losing home and away to Chelsea.

Similarly, Sevilla are currently on a poor run of form. Julen Lopetegui’s side occupies fourth on the league table but are yet to win back to back matches since the start of February.

Sevilla have also won just thrice in their last 10 matches, with their problems compounded by their elimination from the Copa del Rey and Champions League by Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

Saturday’s game, therefore, pits two sides that are desperately in need of three points. Luis Suarez has been Atletico’s main source of goals, having netted 19 times this season in La Liga.

Only Lionel Messi has scored more goals than the Uruguayan striker in the Spanish topflight. But Atletico will need Joao Felix and Angel Correa to also come to the party to share the goal-scoring burden.

For Sevilla, though, the star man is Youssef En-Nesyri, who has 15 La Liga goals to his name, whereas Suso and Papu Gomez are equally valuable assets that can hurt the visitors.

As at the time of writing this article, Sevilla are priced at 2.90 by Betika to win, while Atletico Madrid are priced at 2.70 to emerge victors. Meanwhile, a draw is priced at 3.05.

Manchester United will look to consolidate their grip on second place when they host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday. The Red Devils have endured a mixed season so far, but there’s still a lot to play for.

Having disappointingly exited the FA Cup right before the international after losing 3-1 to Leicester City, Manchester United will be aiming for a quick return to winning ways.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side boasts an impressive away record in domestic matches, having not lost on the road in the Premier League in over a year. However, their home form has usually been shaky and that is something that Brighton will hope to exploit.

The Seagulls endured a difficult run at the start of February when they went six games without a win, however, they’ve won each of their last two games – beating Southampton and Newcastle United 2-1 and 3-0, respectively.

Manchester United are huge favourites for this encounter but Brighton have constantly proved that they can upset the top teams. Graham Potter’s charges have already recorded impressive wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool this season and will fancy facing Manchester United this weekend.

Manchester United have no injury problems, with Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek all returning to full fitness before the international break.

Brighton will also be looking to welcome Leandro Trossard back into the team following his goal-scoring output for Belgium during the international break.

Meanwhile, the Seagulls will also be looking to Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana for inspiration, with the duo currently in a rich vein of form.

This is a game between the Premier League second-placed team and 16th-placed team but the onus lies with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to grab all three points.

Betika prices Manchester United at 1.62 to win the game, while a win for Brighton is priced at an odd of 5.60. A draw is, however, priced 4.20 by Betika.