Unexpected Derbies Kickstart the Football Weekend in Europe

It is customary for the most important matches of the weekend to be scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, but this Friday is particularly exciting. Football fans can expect some intense matches starting at 7 PM UK time, involving teams that try to avoid relegation. The battle at the bottom of the standings is just as intense, with evenly matched opponents trying to pick up valuable points.

Norwich and Watford Scramble to Avoid Relegation

Norwich and Watford have started the season poorly, but the former have at least caused a couple of major upsets. Unfortunately for them, this only places them two points above the bottom-placed Watford, but they can extend the lead. At 8 PM UK time, they welcome the struggling visitors in a must-win game where both teams are credited with the same chances. 888 Sport offers identical odds of 17/10 on each to win, while an unlikely draw is priced at 5/2.

Nice and Bordeaux Chase Back-to-Back Ligue 1 Victories

In southern France, Nice and Bordeaux try to extend the positive run and win back-to-back matches for the first time this season. Both have prevailed at home against teams that started the match poorly, but this time, they will meet highly motivated opponents. Nice have home pitch advantage, which explains the slight preference of bookmakers for them, as well as the odds of 3/2. They won the last game after their opponents had a man eliminated in the first half but they will have a more difficult task against Bordeaux.

Sassuolo Meet Bologna in Rare Serie A Friday Match

Sassuolo and Bologna have a clear objective for the season, as their goal is to avoid relegation and survive for one more year in the Italian first division. They both have a slight advantage over the teams struggling in the danger zone and a point in this game will benefit both. This explains why bet365 Sports only offers odds of 23/10 on a draw, while pricing a victory for either team at 17/10. Punters should also consider a bet on a draw at half time, as neither team can afford to take chances early on.

Real Sociedad Seek Temporary Lead in La Liga

Real Sociedad have won the last match against Granada after scoring the decisive goal in the last minutes of overtime. They will need to do much better on Friday if they are to take the solitary lead in the Spanish first division, for more than 24 hours. Home pitch advantage and a match against struggling Leganes should do the trick, as the visitors are winless on the road this season. Winner Sports only offers odds of 13/20 on the home side to prevail, which reflects the difference in quality and form.