This weekend in the English football championship, the London derby between the clubs "Chelsea" and "Arsenal" will take place - both clubs aim to return to the winning path. Meanwhile, in the Spanish league, last season's winner Madrid's "Real" will visit "Valencia" at their home stadium. We review the prospects of the upcoming opponents and present the odds set by the bookmakers at "TonyBet".
"Chelsea" - 1.98 / Draw - 3.70 / "Arsenal" - 3.75
Both teams failed to secure victories last weekend, so they will be seeking three points in this crucial city derby. The first meeting between the two teams this season was won by "Chelsea" team playing as visitors.
A stunning season start - the "Chelsea" team secured seven wins in the first eight matches of the English championship, but then a dark cloud enveloped the blues' camp and they failed to achieve any victories in the following seven rounds. In the last seven matches under the new coach Rafa Benitez, the results have once again brought positive emotions to the team's fans, as they suffered only one defeat. However, the team focused on the championship title is currently third in the tournament table, trailing the leaders by as much as 13 points. Looking at the results of the last five matches - the "aristocrats" have the best attack and defense in the championship.
The perennial contender in the UEFA Champions League, the "Arsenal" team, cannot be satisfied with the sixth position in the English championship, and a victory against "Chelsea" would certainly bring them closer to the coveted top four. However, last week they failed to pass the test of "Manchester City" at home, so hoping for a win against another top team away is quite uncertain. Perhaps the absence of top-level stars hinders competing with the favorites, but the most striking issue is the unstable game - after 21 rounds, 9 wins, 7 draws, and five losses. Compared to the entire previous season, the "Gunners" secured 21 wins, ended 7 matches in draws, and lost 10.
Last year's match between these teams at "Stamford Bridge" stadium brought fans as many as eight goals, but the victory was achieved by the visitors, it is interesting whether they will be able to repeat this success. If the match ends in a draw, a special - conditional bet is applied to this match!
"Valencia" - 4.45 / Draw - 3.80 / Madrid's "Real" - 1.77
On Tuesday, in the Spanish King's Cup matches, Madrid's "Real" overcame "Valencia" team at home, but the scenario in the away match in the Spanish league could be completely different.
For the first time this season, "Valencia" players secured three consecutive wins in the Spanish league. However, currently holding the 7th position does not satisfy the club, and as usual, fierce competition between the 8th - 4th places does not allow for relaxation in any round. To extend the winning streak, they will need to defeat the royal club at home, seemingly not a very difficult task as the club rarely falters at home, but the fact that they last overcame this team was back in the middle of 2009. The team's top goal scorer - Roberto Soldado scored 11 goals in 19 rounds.
Remember that team that lost only 14 points in 38 Spanish championship matches last season, scored 121 goals, and ultimately destroyed all its opponents - that team no longer exists. Yes, Madrid's "Real" still remains one of the most dangerous European football clubs, but the 18-point deficit to eternal rivals "Barcelona" footballers means that repeating the triumph in the Spanish league is probably out of reach. Even the always dangerous Christiano Ronaldo scored only 16 goals by his standards so far.
Victory is needed for both teams - for "Madrid's "Real" to consolidate their position in third place, and for "Valencia" to move closer to the top four. A conditional bet is also assigned to this match.