LA Galaxy occupy second place in the Western Conference but remain nine points behind arch-rivals LAFC in the race to claim the top spot. SJ Earthquakes’ improved form has seen them move into the playoff places in recent weeks and they now sit sixth in the table despite having a very slow start to the campaign.
Galaxy had the home advantage last time out against Toronto, where despite having less of the ball and not creating as many goal-scoring opportunities as their guests the hosts managed to pick up all three points. The teams went in level at the break goalless with Toronto having the better of the play, but a brace from the home sides talisman Ibrahimović late in the game saw LA Galaxy secure their victory.
SJ Earthquakes left it late to defeat Real Salt Lake at the Avaya Stadium but did manage to pick up the win their play just about deserved last weekend. Neither side managed to break the deadlock in the first half despite both teams creating chances to score and the game looked like ending goalless until Dutch striker Hoesen forced the ball home deep into stoppage time to win the game for the home side 1-0.
The recent head to head record between these two clubs and the performances of each team heading into Saturday’s match suggests that over 2.5 goals will be scored, and I have backed LA Galaxy to pinch all three points. Five of the last six competitive meetings between the two clubs have produced over 2.5 goals, while four of LA Galaxy’s and four of SJ Earthquakes’ last six matches have also seen over 2.5 goals scored. LA Galaxy have won two of their last three home games and SJ Earthquakes have lost two and drawn one of their last three away games, which is why we’re backing a 2-1 win for the hosts this weekend.
That Ibrahimović double last time out moved the Swedish striker onto thirteen MLS goals for the season, while American forward Wondolowski leads the way for SJ Earthquakes with eight league goals to his name. We’re confident that over 2.5 goals will be scored on Saturday and have predicted a final scoreline of 2-1 in favour of LA Galaxy. The hosts have outperformed their guests so far this season but I are expecting a very close and competitive ninety minutes between the pair. SJ Earthquakes’ recent away form is the only thing that has let them down of late and that is also something I think will play a big part in Saturday’s result.
LA Galaxy occupy second place in the Western Conference but remain nine points behind arch-rivals LAFC in the race to claim the top spot. SJ Earthquakes’ improved form has seen them move into the playoff places in recent weeks and they now sit sixth in the table despite having a very slow start to the campaign.
Galaxy had the home advantage last time out against Toronto, where despite having less of the ball and not creating as many goal-scoring opportunities as their guests the hosts managed to pick up all three points. The teams went in level at the break goalless with Toronto having the better of the play, but a brace from the home sides talisman Ibrahimović late in the game saw LA Galaxy secure their victory.
SJ Earthquakes left it late to defeat Real Salt Lake at the Avaya Stadium but did manage to pick up the win their play just about deserved last weekend. Neither side managed to break the deadlock in the first half despite both teams creating chances to score and the game looked like ending goalless until Dutch striker Hoesen forced the ball home deep into stoppage time to win the game for the home side 1-0.
The recent head to head record between these two clubs and the performances of each team heading into Saturday’s match suggests that over 2.5 goals will be scored, and I have backed LA Galaxy to pinch all three points. Five of the last six competitive meetings between the two clubs have produced over 2.5 goals, while four of LA Galaxy’s and four of SJ Earthquakes’ last six matches have also seen over 2.5 goals scored. LA Galaxy have won two of their last three home games and SJ Earthquakes have lost two and drawn one of their last three away games, which is why we’re backing a 2-1 win for the hosts this weekend.
That Ibrahimović double last time out moved the Swedish striker onto thirteen MLS goals for the season, while American forward Wondolowski leads the way for SJ Earthquakes with eight league goals to his name. We’re confident that over 2.5 goals will be scored on Saturday and have predicted a final scoreline of 2-1 in favour of LA Galaxy. The hosts have outperformed their guests so far this season but I are expecting a very close and competitive ninety minutes between the pair. SJ Earthquakes’ recent away form is the only thing that has let them down of late and that is also something I think will play a big part in Saturday’s result.
LA Galaxy occupy second place in the Western Conference but remain nine points behind arch-rivals LAFC in the race to claim the top spot. SJ Earthquakes’ improved form has seen them move into the playoff places in recent weeks and they now sit sixth in the table despite having a very slow start to the campaign.
Galaxy had the home advantage last time out against Toronto, where despite having less of the ball and not creating as many goal-scoring opportunities as their guests the hosts managed to pick up all three points. The teams went in level at the break goalless with Toronto having the better of the play, but a brace from the home sides talisman Ibrahimović late in the game saw LA Galaxy secure their victory.
SJ Earthquakes left it late to defeat Real Salt Lake at the Avaya Stadium but did manage to pick up the win their play just about deserved last weekend. Neither side managed to break the deadlock in the first half despite both teams creating chances to score and the game looked like ending goalless until Dutch striker Hoesen forced the ball home deep into stoppage time to win the game for the home side 1-0.
The recent head to head record between these two clubs and the performances of each team heading into Saturday’s match suggests that over 2.5 goals will be scored, and I have backed LA Galaxy to pinch all three points. Five of the last six competitive meetings between the two clubs have produced over 2.5 goals, while four of LA Galaxy’s and four of SJ Earthquakes’ last six matches have also seen over 2.5 goals scored. LA Galaxy have won two of their last three home games and SJ Earthquakes have lost two and drawn one of their last three away games, which is why we’re backing a 2-1 win for the hosts this weekend.
That Ibrahimović double last time out moved the Swedish striker onto thirteen MLS goals for the season, while American forward Wondolowski leads the way for SJ Earthquakes with eight league goals to his name. We’re confident that over 2.5 goals will be scored on Saturday and have predicted a final scoreline of 2-1 in favour of LA Galaxy. The hosts have outperformed their guests so far this season but I are expecting a very close and competitive ninety minutes between the pair. SJ Earthquakes’ recent away form is the only thing that has let them down of late and that is also something I think will play a big part in Saturday’s result.
I am pretty sure that this game will be a high-scoring game. This particular Manchester derby will have a big influence on the championship race and that's why Man Utd will make sure that they won't let City to become the kings of the EPL against the devils.
At the same time, United was pretty bad in the last games and that's why I don't 100% trust them. But I am sure that they will manage to score at least 1 goal. But City will score more.
2:3, Man City win and total over 3.5 goals
Although there is no shame in losing to Barcelona, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be concerned by the decline in his side’s performances in recent weeks – especially at the back.
Having conceded just nine goals in Solskjaer's first 14 fixtures in command, United have now let in 16 and failed to keep a single clean sheet in the subsequent 10.
Nevertheless, they are at least maintaining the attacking threat that has seen them score in all but one of their 17 league matches on the road this season, so should cause problems for a Toffees backline they have put eight goals past in the last three encounters.
Alaves have only lost 2 of their last 16 home league games, which is a measure of the task that Valladolid are faced with here. The visitors haven’t been great travellers since the turn of the year and have lost 5 of their last 6 on the road in La Liga. Their overall form is a concern too with just 2 wins in 17 league outings. With the division’s worst goal-scoring record, there’s an argument for saying that they are the worst team in the league, with Huesca and Rayo Vallecano beneath posing much more of an attacking threat.
With home advantage, backing Alaves to Win could be the way to go here, although it’s unlikely to be a classic.
Despite trailing by a goal, Man City will not be going into this second leg with all guns blazing, as Guardiola will be aware of how lethal a Spurs away goal would be. Expect this to be a very tight, tense affair with neither side wanting to commit too much too soon. With Tottenham struggling away from home of late, City may just have too much for them on Wednesday night. Score prediction: Man City 2 Tottenham 0
Barcelona are perhaps the strongest side left in the competition, and with Gerard Pique in irresistible form, it is hard to see how Manchester United can find a way to score past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. But, their desperation to script another stirring comeback tale has the potential to do the trick.
Having said that, the need for a goal might just leave spaces open at the back, something that a certain Lionel Messi does not need a second invitation to exploit. The key for Manchester United will be the effectiveness in their pressing in midfield.
Expect another close contest between the two sides, albeit one that should see quite a few chances for each side. But, Barcelona should have enough quality to prevail in the end, and The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Ernesto Valverde & co.
While the 2014 clash is the most memorable, the hosts have actually endured plenty of difficult encounters against this opposition over recent seasons. Finding the net fo both teams looks truly solid
We have seen 4 straight Premier League wins in a row for Leicester City.
Leicester City have won at half time/full time in 4 of their last 6 league matches.
Newcastle United's form hasn't been good, as the team has won only 3 of their last 24 away matches (Premier League). In 7 of Newcastle United's last 9 matches of Premier League, have been seen under 2.5 goals
Chelsea were much improved against Brighton last time out and have been in decent form at home this season, whereas West Ham's recent record on the road is poor. Chelsea cannot afford to drop points with two of their main rivals not playing, and we are backing them to come away with the win.
Barcelona meanwhile showed their flaws again in midweek. They conceded 4 unanswered goals as Villarreal came from 2-0 down to lead 4-2. Only more magic from Leo Messi and Luis Suarez in the final couple of minutes rescued a point but they won’t get anything like that kind of charitable defending from this Atleti side.
They will unquestionably have one eye on Manchester and Ernesto Valverde may even consider resting Suarez here with an 8 point cushion already in place. The truth is a draw would be a decent enough result for Barcelona and even if they lose, they’d back themselves to still win the title. A draw could be worth a punt.
From a betting point of view, at an appealing price, ‘Juventus to Win & Under 2.5 Goals’ stands out. For all Cagliari have done well at home of late, they lack that bit of quality that Juventus have in abundance. They’ve also not created an abundance of chances, so they could very easily struggle against a Juve back-line that is tough to breach. Interestingly, Cagliari have failed to score at home against the Old Lady in each of the last two seasons.
United travel to Emirates Stadium having lost just one of their last six matches, although they haven’t won away from home since mid-December.
Everything points towards the Gunners prevailing in an entertaining encounter, so we believe in a home win and both teams to score.
Arsenal continued their excellent home form when following up a 2-0 defeat of Manchester United in this competition by beating Rennes 3-0 in the Europa League. Newcastle have pulled nicely clear of relegation trouble thanks to five straight league victories at St James’ Park and have also been holding their own on the road.
The Magpies were a touch unlucky to lose away to Tottenham, came within a whisker of winning at Wolves and, after a bit of a blip at West Ham, did well to draw 2-2 at Bournemouth.
The spirit shown at Vitality Stadium will stand United in good stead again here, although it’s hard to get away from the Gunners due to their strong home form.
Joachim Low is still in charge of the German national team, but it has to be noted that he will not count on Bayern players for this showdown as they are on a vacation following the triumph in the Champions League final.
Spain boss Luis Enrique, on the other hand, has a named a youthful squad.
There is some value in betting on Germany considering the fact that Enrique has decided to mix his squad a bit.