Just when we thought we had Serie A figured out, the title race produced a pair of unexpected results Tuesday.
Juventus is still the favorite to win the title, but after a brutal 30-minute spell in which it gave up four goals to AC Milan, it has some questions to answer.
Rebounding will not be easy against third-place Atalanta, who we have detailed as one of the most entertaining sides in European soccer.
Juventus and Atalanta have combined to score 150 goals in league play this season and four flew during their first league meeting in November.
Once again, the majority of the previous set of games in Italy produced a high scoring rate, with eight of the 10 midweek contests featuring three or more goals.
If there is one trend to take advantage of, that’s the play, and it could apply to the league’s biggest match of the weekend.
Scoring in the Premier League has been more scarce, even with plenty of mismatches over the last few weeks.
The closest match to Juve-Atalanta in terms of drama in the standings in England comes from the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham,
Arsenal comes into the rivalry showdown with a one-point advantage over Spurs, and with the chance to finish as high as sixth still on the line, expect plenty of fire out of this one.
There are plenty of other intriguing matches across the top three leagues in Europe still active, and with that, comes plenty to bet on.
As always, our odds come from the fine folks at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Joe Tansey
Record: 47-50 (3-3 midweek record)
Juventus vs. Atalanta
I’m not letting a single Juventus loss deter me from betting it Saturday afternoon.
The Bianconeri are still the best team in Italy and Atalanta plays a bit too much of an open style to trust against a Cristiano Ronaldo-led attack.
Even though the odds have adjusted to the high number of goals in Italy, I’m going to run with Over 2.5 and possibly look at a larger total.
Picks: Juventus (+108); Over 2.5 (-177)
Tottenham vs. Arsenal
Trusting Jose Mourinho to guide Spurs to a victory right now seems like a bad decision, but I’m an expert at making bad decisions, especially when it comes to gambling.
Tottenham needs to beat Arsenal to have a chance to finish above it in the Premier League, which is a major deal even if both teams don’t qualify for European competitions.
Spurs have won back-to-back home games and played Manchester United fairly well at their place. That gives me the slightest bit of confidence for them to get the job done.
Pick: Tottenham (+155)
Sheffield United vs. Chelsea
Chelsea has been flying since the restart.
The Blues have won five of their last six games, and they’ve received more attention stateside with Christian Pulisic in terrific form.
Sheffield United has beaten Wolves and Spurs at home over the last three games, but that trend could go out the window against the third-place side.
Not only is Chelsea at a decent price, keep an eye on Pulisic props with good value.
Picks: Chelsea (-167); Christian Pulisic to score (+180)
Real Madrid vs. Alaves
Alaves has been poor in its last five games, and if it struggles again, it could take another critical blow in the relegation race while Real Madrid moves one step closer to the title.
Los Blancos have won three straight games by a 1-0 scoreline, which is why it is a bit surprising to see Over 2.5 with such low odds, but I’m going with it based on the advantage in overall quality.
Pick: Over 2.5 (-157)
Leganes vs. Valencia
It looks like Valencia has finally turned a corner in form.
The eighth-place side in La Liga won for the first time in six games Tuesday and owns favorable odds and a good matchup Sunday at Leganes.
Pick: Valencia (-130)
Derby County vs. Brentford
Brentford is the hottest team in England’s second division and still has an opportunity to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League if it wins out.
Brentford also has five shutouts in the last six games, and if its defense keeps it up, I’ll get great value based on its form.
Pick: Brentford (-120)
Larry Henry Jr.
Record: 39-46 (4-4 midweek record)
Tottenham vs. Arsenal
Arsenal is unbeaten in five matches in all competitions while Tottenham is coming off a disappointing scoreless draw at Bournemouth.
The Gunners are in better form right now and I like them to knock off Spurs on the road.
Pick: Arsenal (+175)
Bournemouth vs. Leicester City
Bournemouth look destined for a return to the EFL Championship after failing to win in nine consecutive league matches.
Eddie Howe's side is still alive in the fight for survival, but it faces a tough test against Leicester CIty. The Foxes picked up a point in a midweek draw at Arsenal and have defeated Bournemouth in back-to-back league matches.
Look for that trend to continue.
Pick: Leicester City (-147)
Juventus vs. Atalanta
Juventus is coming off a shocking loss to AC Milan and has to face a red-hot Atalanta side.
Atalanta has won 11 straight coming into its trip to the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, and it might remain alive in the title race with a win. Juventus defeated Atalanta 3-1 earlier this season, but I expect the visitors to come in and earn an impressive result.
Pick: Atalanta (+240)
Napoli vs. AC Milan
Napoli currently sits two points clear of visiting AC Milan.
Former Milan manager and player Gennaro Gattuso has led Napoli to back-to-back wins while AC Milan is coming off an impressive home victory over Juventus. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic back healthy and in good form for the Rossoneri, he gives Milan an added boost on the road this weekend.
Picks: AC Milan (+270)
Real Sociedad vs. Granada
Real Sociedad has owned its matchup with Granada of late, winning three in a row coming into Friday's showdown. I like the home team to jump back into a European qualification spot.
Pick: Real Sociedad (-134)
Fulham vs. Cardiff City
Fulham is hitting its peak at the right time of the EFL Championship season. Scott Parker's men have won three straight and remain alive in the race for automatic promotion. Going with the home favorite to make it four wins in a row.
Pick: Fulham (-108)
Queens Park Rangers vs. Sheffield Wednesday
Two midtable sides in the Championship meet in London with not much to play for besides pride. Queens Park Rangers have won four of the last five meetings with Sheffield Wednesday.
It has also been a traditionally high-scoring affair, with over two goals scored in the last five head-to-head meetings.
Picks: QPR (+170), Over 2.5 goals (+102)