This Week's Best Football Fixtures: Analysis, Predictions, Odds

As the New Year settles in, football fans are stoked by the exciting set of fixtures taking place this week. From action at the Scottish Premiership and Italian Serie A to the Spanish Copa del Rey and the best Premier League dramas, it will be a good week for watching and punting. Here are a few predictions for selected fixtures this week which are not to miss.

Burnley vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Monday, 19:45 UK time)

The English FA Cup sets up an interesting third round meet Monday night between two Premier League clubs Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur. The difference is sharp between these two teams when looking at the Premier League table: While Tottenham keeps up with the top five closely having thrashed Chelsea 5-3 just last Thursday, Burnley is struggling at the relegation zone. Tottenham is a clear favorite.

Prediction: Burnley 0–2 Tottenham

Kilmarnock vs. Celtic (Monday, 20:00)

Hot on the heels of Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League's top, Celtic is just two points away from taking the northern leaders. Three points against Kilmarnock would put the Bhoys two points away from Aberdeen with 42 points. Aside from the home advantage, Kilmarnock have won their last two games, but they've lost their six last matches against Celtic, including a 2-0 away loss this season.

Prediction: Kilmarnock 1-3 Celtic

Everton vs. West Ham United (Tuesday, 19:45)

Another quality Premier League meeting at the FA Cup, Everton will use all of its might against West Ham United in this third round game. Everton is on four straight defeats in the league and they need a win at home today for a boost of confidence. West Ham is in a better form and they'll try to take advantage of Everton's woes – it'll be a close fight.

Prediction: Everton 1–1 West Ham United

Juventus vs. Inter Milan (Tuesday, 20:00)

Serie A returns to the explosive derby d'Italia as Juventus host Inter Milan at home. Leading the Serie A, Juventus is having a very successful season with only one loss against Genoa in 16 matches. It's hard to see the Old Lady losing to the underachieving Inter Milan today, a team which had sustained much more goals than it should have this season.

Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Inter Milan

Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid (Wednesday, 20:00)

Sunday marked Real Madrid's third loss this season against Valencia away from home, going from a 0-1 lead secured by a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty kick to 2-1 at the final whistle. This will be on Los Blancos' minds as they prepare to meet neighbor Atletico Madrid for the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match. Atletico is not to be taken lightly, with high-flying Antoine Griezmann and a possible debut of El Nino Fernando Torres, but Real will prevail.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid  

Barcelona vs. Elche (Thursday, 21:00)

In this Copa del Ray fixture, Barcelona will be keen to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad on Sunday. Barca looked out of sync with both Messi and Neymar benched from the beginning: they'll want to prove manager Luis Enrique wrong.

Prediction: Barcelona 3 – 0 Elche

Bet Live

Punters can immerse themselves in live betting action as these fixtures take place over at leading bookies such as William Hill Sports, bet365 Sports and Winner Sports. Make sure to stay updated with the latest markets and odds as you log-in before the matches kick-off.