Back

European Soccer Preview: Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and PSG are all in crucial league action

MAVERICK GAMES

Our soccer expert shares betting tips and previews some huge games across Europe this weekend as Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and PSG are all in action.

 

 

La Liga - Las Palmas vs Real Madrid (Saturday 15:15 UTC)

In La Liga's headline fixture, Las Palmas welcomes the footballing powerhouse, Real Madrid, in what promises to be a captivating clash. Under the guidance of coach Garcia Pimienta, Las Palmas has experienced a remarkable turnaround this season, currently holding the eighth position in La Liga with nine wins, four draws, and eight losses. 

Their recent triumph over El Rayo Vallecano showcased their tactical prowess and ability to secure crucial points. However, the absence of key player Omenuke Mfulu, representing his nation in the African Cup, raises questions about how Las Palmas will cope against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid.

On the opposite end, Real Madrid, managed by the seasoned Carlo Ancelotti, sits in second place, just one game behind the surprise leaders, Girona. Real Madrid has demonstrated their championship credentials with an impressive record of 16 wins, three draws, and one loss. 

Their attacking prowess has been on full display, most notably in their recent come-from-behind victories. However, controversies stemming from VAR decisions in the previous match against Almeria have intensified the pressure on the Galacticos. This clash with Las Palmas becomes critical, not just for securing three points, but for asserting their dominance in the title race.

Real Madrid is the favourite for this match at 1.460 and Las Palmas is priced at 6.930.

 

Serie A - Juventus vs Empoli (Saturday 17:00 UTC)

In Serie A, the battle between Juventus and Empoli is laden with implications at both ends of the table. Juventus, eternal title contenders and led by the seasoned tactician Maximiliano Allegri, currently occupies the top spot with 16 wins, four draws, and one loss. 

Their recent victory against Sassuolo showcased the clinical finishing that has defined their campaign, with Dušan Vlahović and Federico Chiesa finding the back of the net. The pressure is immense on Juventus as they seek to secure another Scudetto, especially with Inter lurking just behind them in the standings. The hunger to reclaim the league title after a nine-year winning streak is palpable among the fans, making every match crucial.

On the other side, Empoli, currently positioned 19th and battling relegation under the guidance of coach Davide Nicola, is well aware of the enormity of the challenge. Empoli's recent triumph against Monza, fueled by a stunning hat-trick from Szymon Zurkowski, has injected a sense of belief into the squad.

However, facing the formidable Juventus poses a different level of challenge. Empoli needs to secure points to escape the relegation zone, making this encounter a high-stakes affair for both teams with divergent objectives in Serie A.

For this game, Juventus is the clear favourite priced at 1.293, and Empoli are priced at 11.450, with the over at 2.5 priced at 1.884.

 

 

Bundesliga - Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Monchengladbach (Saturday 17:30 UTC)

The Bundesliga fixture between Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach promises to be a defining moment in the title race and the struggle against relegation. Bayer Leverkusen, currently leading the Bundesliga with a flawless record of 15 wins, three draws, and no losses, is a team reborn under the management of former football star Xavi Alonso. 

Their recent victory against RB Leipzig showcased their tactical cleverness and resilience, with goals from Nathan Tella, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie securing the win. Leverkusen's pursuit of a historic league title adds a layer of excitement to every match, and their ability to navigate international duty showcases the depth of their squad.

Contrastingly, Borussia Monchengladbach, sitting 12th in the Bundesliga with five wins, five draws, and eight losses, faces the looming threat of relegation. Coach Gerardo Seoane's side, coming off a defeat against Augsburg, knows that every point is crucial in their bid to stay clear of the drop zone. 

The pressure is on for Monchengladbach to find form and consistency, especially in the face of Leverkusen's formidable challenge. The Bundesliga title race is heating up, and this match becomes a pivotal moment for both Leverkusen's title aspirations and Monchengladbach's fight for survival.

Bayer Leverkusen's win is priced at 1.253 and Borussia Monchengladbach are priced at 9.830.

 

Serie A - Inter vs Fiorentina (Sunday  19:45 UTC)

In Serie A, the fixture between Inter and Fiorentina carries significant weight, with both teams having pivotal roles in the destiny of the league. Inter, currently in second place with 16 wins, three draws, and one loss, is on a quest to reclaim the Scudetto. 

Under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, Inter's recent triumph against Monza showcased their attacking prowess, with goals from new season signing Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Lautauro Martinez, and Marcus Thuram. With only one point separating them from leaders Juventus, Inter is in a prime position to challenge for the top spot, and every match becomes a crucial step in their pursuit.

Fiorentina, on the other hand, sits comfortably in fourth place with 10 wins, four draws, and six losses, under the management of coach Vincenzo Italiano. Their recent draw against Udinese demonstrated their resilience, with goals from inform striker Lucas Beltran and M'bala Nzola. Fiorentina, aiming for an amazing Champions League spot, represents a formidable challenge for Inter. 

The battle between these two sides promises to be a clash of titans in Serie A, where Inter seeks to ascend to the top, and Fiorentina fights to maintain their place among the Champions League contenders. 

Inter win is priced at 1.884 and Fiorentina are priced at 4.160, with the over it's at 2.5 and priced at 1.934.

 

Ligue 1 - PSG vs Brest (Sunday  19:45 UTC)

In Ligue 1, the marquee clash between PSG and Brest sets the stage for a contest of supremacy and survival. PSG, the undisputed leader in the league with 13 wins, four draws, and one loss, is under the new management of Luis Enrique. The recent victory against Lens showcased their dominance, with goals from Bradley Barcola and Kylian Mbappe. 

Sitting comfortably with an eight-point lead over second-placed Rennes, PSG is on track for another league title. The game against Brest becomes crucial for maintaining their advantage, and PSG will be eager to showcase their superiority.

Brest, currently positioned third in Ligue 1, under coach Eric Roy, represents the underdog in this clash. Coming off a home win against Montpellier, with goals from Steve Mounie and Jeremy Le Douaron, Brest has demonstrated their ability to compete with the best. 

The battle against PSG is not just about points but about staking a claim for a higher standing and ensuring they remain in contention for Champions League qualification. As these two teams collide, the clash between PSG's star-studded lineup and Brest's determination promises to be a spectacle in Ligue 1, where the pursuit of glory and survival converges on the same pitch.

PSG are favoured at 1.400 and a Brest win is priced at 6.830.

 

**Odds are subject to change. Odds accurate as of 12:00 UTC Friday 26th January**

To view more expert sports content and previews, view all our latest articles here.

Share
twittergooglefacebook