Five games to watch this weekend: Can Arteta outfox his mentor?
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We’ve picked out the most intriguing games across the continent
La Liga has now joined the Premier League and Bundesliga in crowning this season’s champion, with Real Madrid securing the title in midweek.
There’s still plenty to play for though, including the FA Cup, European places, La Liga survival and a potential title challenge in Serie A.
We’ve looked at five of the most anticipated matches coming up this weekend, starting at Wembley…
Arsenal v Manchester City (Sat, 19:45)
The first FA Cup semi-final sees Mikel Arteta face Pep Guardiola for the second time since leaving his assistant role at the Etihad to take over at the Emirates.
The previous meeting ended in a comfortable 3-0 City win – it’s no surprise that the reigning holders are clear 3/10 favourites. Another City win to nil is going for 27/20.
Arsenal are 8/1 outsiders, though no one would be better placed to know City’s weak points than Arteta. That 3-0 defeat last month saw Granit Xhaka go off injured early on and a David Luiz disasterclass – can the Gunners keep things tight and catch City on the break this time around?
Manchester United v Chelsea (Sun, 18:00)
Two top-four rivals meet in the other FA Cup semi-final, with Manchester United narrow 7/5 favourites, having already beaten Chelsea three times this season. Despite that record, the Blues will fancy themselves at 19/10, with 23/10 for the draw after 90 minutes.
There’s the chance to take a step towards silverware here, but with only one point separating the two sides, a win could give the victors crucial momentum heading into the final two league games.
Chelsea haven’t been convincing at the back in recent weeks. Can they cope with United’s electric attack? Marcus Rashford has already scored four goals against the West Londoners this term – Rashford is 6/1 to score first or 12/5 anytime.
Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City (Sun, 16:00)
Tottenham are 13/10 favourites here, off the back of wins against Arsenal and Newcastle United. They can’t afford to drop points as they look to secure a Europa League place.
But Leicester may have reinvigorated their push for the top four with a 2-0 win over Sheffield United. The Foxes are at 21/10, while our traders have the draw at 23/10.
Harry Kane grabbed a brace in midweek to take him to 200 career goals. The England captain is 7/5 to add another to his collection here.
As ever, Leicester will be looking to Jamie Vardy to provide a cutting edge. He’s got 23 goals for the season and is now just 1/7 to finish as top scorer. He’s 10/3 to open the scoring or 13/10 to net anytime in North London.
Leganes v Real Madrid (Sun, 20:00)
It’s all or nothing for Leganes, who face a newly-crowned Real Madrid side without anything to play for.
The hosts have to beat the champions to have any chance of staying up. Even if they do get three points, they’re depending on bottom-placed and already-relegated Espanyol getting a result against Celta Vigo in 17th.
Will Madrid have already switched their focus to the upcoming Champions League game against Man City? Given the circumstances, Leganes are 2/1 to win, with Madrid at 27/20.
However, the veteran Leganes boss Javier Aguirre will be without top scorer Oscar Rodriguez – Leganes and Under 2.5 Goals is 11/2.
Roma v Inter Milan (Sun, 20:45)
Juventus have been rocking recently , picking up just two points from their last three league outings. Can Inter beat Roma to pile the pressure on the league leaders? They’re 6/5 to do just that, with Roma at 2/1 and 13/5 for a fifth successive draw between these two.
With Alexis Sanchez looking something close to his best again, Inter have plenty of options going forward. But Roma are flying after three straight wins and will want to cement their hold on a Europa League place. Inter and BTTS is available for 13/5.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.
