Italian Derbies Turn Serie A into a Volcano on Saturday Afternoon
Published May 15, 2021 by Florin P
Juventus and Lazio play key matches against Inter Milan and AS Roma, teams that lack motivation while Benfica greets Sporting in a Portuguese classic.
The final matches of the Italian first division will take place over the next week. For the teams playing on Saturday, these can be decisive rounds in determining the squads playing in the Champions League. West Ham have the same objective in the Premier League, while Benfica chase the second place in Portugal.
West Ham Plays its Last Card for the Champions League
Chelsea lost at home to Arsenal, which provided West Ham with an unexpected opportunity. If they defeat Brighton on the road, they stay in the race for a Champions League berth. This will be a huge accomplishment for the Londoners and they are well-positioned to pick up all three points on Saturday. Brighton have avoided relegation and have nothing to fight for, so the odds of 17/10 are shockingly low. Punters who bet on West Ham will be paid at 3/2 by bet365 Sports, which is a tempting proposition.
Juventus Take on the New Serie A Champions in Key Match
Juventus have regained their form but this could be too little too late as they sit in the fifth place and depend on Napoli to fail. Playing against Inter Milan doesn’t bode well for their chances to secure a Champions League placement. The good news is that they have home pitch advantage and face a team that has nothing to play for in the remaining rounds. Inter won the championship and this explains the odds of 21/10 on them to win, while Juventus are priced at 6/5 by bet365 Sports.
Depleted AS Roma Try to end Rival’s Dreams at Olimpico
AS Roma were eliminated from Europa League and lost any chance of achieving something meaningful on the domestic front. Playing at home against Lazio is always a motivator regardless of the position in the standings. On Saturday afternoon they will have to do it without some of their key players who are missing due to injury or suspension. 888 Sport credits the visiting team with the first chance and odds of 3/2, because of superior fitness, motivation and form. A bet on AS Roma will produce odds of 3/2.
The Derby of Lisbon Pits Benfica vs Sporting
Benfica vs Sporting is the kind of match that always generates tremendous enthusiasm in Portugal. Even when the two teams have nothing to fight for they throw everything they’ve got at their opponent. Benfica surely hope that this match will be different, as they are in dire need of points, while Sporting have won the championship. The hosts have struggled throughout the season, but they are justly favorites with even odds, while a bet on the visitors will trigger odds of 5/2.
Disclaimer:
The odds mentioned here were accurate at the featured bookmakers at the hour the article was written, respectively on Thursday, May 13 at 6 A.M. UK time.
