Bayern Munich and Villarreal Play Difficult Matches on the Road

Midweek games have kept football fans at the edge of their seats, but on Friday it is time for early weekend action. There are only two games scheduled for the day in the top European football leagues, but they are both worth the effort and attention. Bayern Munich will try to expand their lead in the German first division, while Villarreal clings to its Champions League spot in the Spanish La Liga.

M’Gladbach Tries to End Bayern’s Invincible Run

Bayern Munich has the second-best record in games played on the road, so facing M’Gladbach away from home shouldn’t be a challenge. The match will be played without spectators and the hosts don’t have an impressive home record either, so the reigning champions are rightfully favored. 888 Sport prices an away victory at 3/5, which is reasonable given Bayern’s form and advantage in head to head matches. The visitors can field the most competitive starting 11 and have had plenty of time to rest key players.

M’Gladbach have finally won back-to-back matches after a rather disappointing performance in December. They hope to continue the winning streak with a massive win over the en titre champions, now that they don’t have any players injured or suspended. They kept a clean sheet in the last two matches, but before that conceded plenty of goals regardless of venue, hence the odds of 4/1 on them to win tonight. Scoring early is essential for this team who has the ability to defend narrow leads but struggles to recover.

Villarreal Seek Back-to-Back Victories over Celta Vigo

Villarreal are ahead of Barcelona in the Spanish first division and currently on a spot eligible for a Champions League berth. In 2020 they have greatly improved their performance in away matches and overall they lost just two games the entire season. This performance is second only to Atletico Madrid, so it comes as no surprise that 888 Sport credits them with the first chance and odds of 13/10. One of the best defensive teams in the league, Villarreal are also better on the offensive end, even in away games.

Celta Vigo was riding an impressive seven game undefeated streak, including five consecutive victories. This ended abruptly with a defeat to Real Madrid who prevented them from scoring in the nation’s capital. Returning home should help, but with a few players doubtful ahead of this match, punters will only get odds of 2/1 if they bet on the home side to prevail. Pressure is likely to take its toll and under such circumstances, Celta Vigo players’ are susceptible to conceding a high number of yellow cards.

Disclaimer:

The odds mentioned here were accurate at the featured bookmakers at the hour the article was written, respectively on Tuesday, January 5 at 8 am UK time.