Even though we are going through a demanding period in which clubs are playing matches in quick succession, the presence of teams that cannot afford to drop points and have managed these tough schedules well—keeping their squads fresh—allows us to make some selections without being limited to a very restricted fixture list. In this important and critical week, we have analyzed nine weekend matches we selected for you and shared our tips. We hope it turns out to be a profitable week.
Göztepe vs Fatih Karagümrük
Match Analysis
Göztepe, one of the surprise teams of the Turkish league last season with strong fan support, continue to push for the upper places again this year. After taking a point away at Fenerbahçe, they will be highly motivated as they face Karagümrük, one of the worst teams in the league and widely expected to be relegated. With the return of several key players who were suspended for the Fenerbahçe match, Göztepe should win without much difficulty.
Prediction
Home Win ✔
Hamburger SV vs Bayern Munich
Match Analysis
Bayern Munich will be eager to put the surprise defeat against Augsburg behind them and are expected to secure a straightforward win without mistakes against struggling Hamburger SV, who are fighting relegation. Despite having home advantage, Hamburger SV will not be able to resist Bayern Munich.
Prediction
Away Win ✖
Elche CF vs FC Barcelona
Match Analysis
After the defeat against Real Sociedad, Barcelona have started a new winning run in the league and now travel to face Elche, one of the relatively weaker sides in the competition. The Catalan team are expected to win without much difficulty. Although Elche can be a stubborn opponent at home, they are unlikely to withstand Barcelona’s fluid and highly effective attacking play.
Prediction
Away Win ✔
PSV Eindhoven vs Feyenoord Rotterdam
Match Analysis
Despite sitting second in the league table, Feyenoord are having a very poor season. Their European campaign has also ended early, and the Dutch side have failed to get the desired results under Robin van Persie. With their weak performances, they allow opponents to create scoring chances far too easily, and in matches like this they can also lose their mental focus very quickly.
Now they travel to face PSV, widely regarded as the best club in the Netherlands. Feyenoord are expected to return from this difficult away fixture without any points. This match could even turn out to be Robin van Persie’s last in charge.
Prediction
Home Win ✔
Olympique Lyon vs LOSC Lille
Match Analysis
Lyon are in excellent form and playing very well. With the addition of a highly explosive young talent like Endrick, they have become a very dangerous side. Endrick has already drawn attention with an outstanding return of 4 goals and 1 assist in just three matches for Lyon, and he could once again be a decisive factor against Lille.
Things are going very badly for the away side Lille. They are in poor form and have been producing a series of negative results. The 4–1 home defeat against RC Strasbourg Alsace in particular highlighted just how serious their problems are. They are unlikely to put an end to this poor run in a tough away fixture against Lyon.
Prediction
Home Win ✔
Manchester United vs Fulham FC
Match Analysis
Manchester United, who drew attention by winning difficult matches against Arsenal FC and Manchester City under Michael Carrick, are showing very strong signs of recovery. This Fulham match will be the real test for Carrick, and United are expected to maintain their positive momentum. Who knows, maybe Michael Carrick could even make Frank Ilett get rid of his hair in the near future.
Prediction
Home Win ✔
Qarabağ FK vs Turan-Tovuz IK
Match Analysis
Qarabağ drew attention by managing not to be eliminated from the Champions League, but they paid the price for that focus last week with a 2–0 home defeat to Kapaz PFK, one of the weaker teams in the league. They were then likely further shaken by a heavy defeat against Liverpool FC. This week, they host Turan Tovuz, one of the stronger sides in the league.
Coming off a demanding and exhausting fixture schedule, and after suffering a heavy 6–0 loss, Qarabağ are expected to concede against a Turan Tovuz side that is likely to be highly motivated for this match.
On a separate note, Qurban Qurbanov deserves recognition for guiding the team through the Champions League with such a low-budget squad.
Prediction
Away Team Over 0.5 Goals ✖
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
Match Analysis
This is likely to be one of the most entertaining matches of the week. Even if Tottenham have not fully met expectations in the league, Tottenham are still Tottenham. As you know, the same Tottenham finished fourth in the Champions League group stage and qualified directly for the round of 16. Last season, they also won the Europa League despite finishing 17th in the league. In other words, no team can be considered a clear favorite against Tottenham. They have a very intriguing squad capable of suddenly becoming highly competitive and winning matches.
The visiting side Manchester City, while in a recovery phase, appeared to lose some intensity despite defending well in the second half against Galatasaray. This may have been influenced by the comfort of a 2–0 lead. However, Tottenham are a team that can punish Man City in such situations. It is also worth noting that Manchester City are still without Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias due to injury.
All things considered, this should be a high-scoring and very entertaining match.
Prediction
Over 2.5 Goals ✔
Casa Pia AC vs FC Porto
Match Analysis
As previously mentioned, Porto are enjoying an incredible season. The unbeaten Portuguese side have won 18 of the 19 league matches they have played. Thanks to this remarkable form, successful head coach Francesco Farioli may already be starting to dream of an unbeaten title. Considering the structure of the Portuguese league—where Porto’s traditional rivals SL Benfica are having a very poor season and Sporting CP have been inconsistent—this is not an unrealistic ambition.
There is a huge gap in quality between the few strong teams in the league and the rest. Many clubs are built on very limited budgets, and Casa Pia, who are in the relegation zone, are one of them. Therefore, Porto, eager to continue breaking records, are expected to defeat their weak opponents Casa Pia as well.
Prediction
Away Win ✖