5. Tottenham v Brighton Hove Albion (Premier League)
Ange Postecoglou has radicalised Tottenham's identity this season, transforming the lilywhites into one of the league's most attacking side with their speed on the counter and potency infront of goal. Meanwhile, Brighton have struggled to find consistency in their maiden European campaign and are a very unpredictable side who too often have appeared exposed defensively, with the tendency of imploding. Tottenham have the opportunity to get back on track in their hunt for a top four spot, after a late blip at Everton last weekend while can Brighton close the gap on their rivals to six points and keep their European qualification ambitions alive with a win. It was Roberto De Zerbi's team who won an entertaining battle at the Amex Stadium in late December beating Tottenham 4-2 and we expect another goal-ridden affair on Saturday too. Richarlison has eight goals in his last nine games for the home side, while Brazilian counter-part Joao Pedro has 19 goals in all competitions this season for Brighton as their key talisman upfront.
Prediction: 3 - 1
4. Roma v Inter Milan (Serie A)
AS Roma have embarked on a four game winning streak, since club legend Daniele De Rossi replaced Jose Mouhrino in the dug-out. This impressive form has propelled the Giallorossi back into top four contention, however, their opponents Inter Milan have gone 16 league matches unbeaten currently and expanded their lead in Serie A midweek to four points after a crucial win against title challengers Juventus. Simone Inzaghi's team have been an unstoppable force this season, averaging 2.3 goals per match while also boasting one of the best defensive records in the world keeping 14 clean sheets. If Roma are to continue their impressive revival under De Rossi, then they need to find a way to score past this Inter side who have conceded just 10 goals i in 22 matches and have perfected the art of a 1-0 win.
Prediction: 1 - 2
3. Aston Villa v Manchester United (Premier League)
Manchester United have temporarily silenced the noise around Old Trafford, with an impressive five game unbeaten run across January in which they scored 15 goals. Rasmus Hojlund has scored in four successive games for the Red Devils as he has finally started to show his potential and there is a buoyancy at the club with the recent performances of their young stars like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. However, Unai Emery is a tactical mastermind and has transformed Aston Villa into a well-oiled machine this season with the club firmly submerged in a race for European football for the first time since 2010/11. They looked lethargic and disorientated in their FA Cup fourth round replay exit against Chelsea in midweek and will be hoping bounce back against United. A win for Man United will take them to within five points of their rivals, whereas Aston Villa need to win after costly points dropped in recent weeks to Everton and Newcastle.
Prediction: 1 - 2
2. Real Madrid v Girona
When Real Madrid defeated Girona 3-0 in late September, many believed that was the end of the La Liga minnows title race. However, Girona have since gone on a fifteen game unbeaten run with monumental wins against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid along the way. A draw last weekend has meant they are two points behind Los Blancos, but a win this weekend at the Bernabeu will take them top and put them in the driving seat for a famous title. Real Madrid have lost the influential goals of Jude Bellingham in recent weeks, but has continued their knack of winning games even when they've underwhelmed under Carlo Ancelotti. A win this weekend in this title showdown should seal yet another La Liga title, going five points clear after 24 games but they face a Girona team who tormented every team they've faced this season with their 4-5-1 formation.
Prediction: 2 - 2
1. Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen
Xabi Alonso has transformed Bayer Leverkusen this season, they are unbeaten in every Bundesliga game and are on course to become the first team since 2011-12 to de-crown Bayern of the title. The league leaders hold a narrow two point advantage over Bayern Munich, which makes this a seismic clash and it could prove to be a season-defying result. Tuchel is under increasing pressure to successfully defend last season's title and it looks like it could go down to the wire like last season, when Bayern won the trophy on a very dramatic final day. If Leverkusen do win, they will strengthened their lead to five point a the top of the Bundesliga.
Prediction: 1 - 2
Written by Lewis Eadie
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