Weekend Football Predictions Digest (26-27.04)

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The third El Clásico of the season – and this time, it’s the Copa del Rey final.

Unfortunately, both teams come into this match with notable absentees, but that won’t take away from the spectacle. In the two previous meetings this season, Barça absolutely steamrolled Los Blancos. And here’s a stat: Hansi Flick has never lost a final as a head coach.

I’m backing another Catalan triumph here.

My take: Barcelona to win – (2.22 via N1Bet)

Barça are still in the hunt for the treble this season. They lead La Liga by four points and are through to the Champions League semifinals, where they’ll face Inter just four days after this cup showdown. The schedule is brutal, yet Hansi Flick’s side keep delivering.

They only just suffered their first defeat of 2025 – against Borussia Dortmund, no less – which says everything about their consistency. Barcelona are ultra-offensive, but their defensive issues haven’t vanished. Even though top scorers Lewandowski and Mbappé are sidelined, a goal-fest still seems very much on the cards.

But while Flick has to rotate with one eye on Inter, Ancelotti doesn’t have that burden – Madrid can go all in here. So the value lies in backing the visitors to hold their ground.

My take: Real Madrid Double Chance (X2) and Over 1.5 goals- (1.96 via N1Bet)

Regardless of where the teams currently sit in the Premier League, this upcoming Saturday fixture already looks like the match of the year for both sides. At stake? A rare shot at silverware – and both clubs will throw everything they’ve got to seize it.

Crystal Palace have only made it to the FA Cup final twice in their history and never managed to lift the trophy. Aston Villa? They last won it way back in 1957 – a memory that’s fading even in Birmingham. Both Oliver Glasner and Unai Emery are clearly hungry to etch their names into their respective clubs’ history books.

Villa almost always find the net – they’ve scored in each of their last 17 matches across all competitions. But under Emery, they also tend to score. That makes both teams to score a pretty solid angle for Wembley.

My take: BTTS – Yes – (1.77 via N1Bet)

Lately, Wolfsburg have looked like a shadow of themselves – six home games without a win says it all.

Freiburg, on the other hand, are in much better shape. They’re pushing hard for a European spot, and every point in these final rounds could make the difference.
Wolfsburg sit mid-table: safe from relegation, with only a theoretical chance at Europe. Motivation levels? Questionable.

Freiburg, however, have every reason to go full throttle – especially in their first season after their iconic coach left.

My take: Freiburg (0) Asian Handicap – (2.10 via N1Bet)

Alt Bet: Freiburg Over 4 Corners – (1.65 via N1Bet)

The Blues are still firmly in the race for a Champions League spot, so they’ll be going all-in to secure a favorable result at home.

Everton, under David Moyes, have only lost a handful of league games – and every time, they’ve put up a serious fight.

I don’t expect Chelsea to have it easy here. I’m leaning towards a tough battle and backing either a one-goal Chelsea win or a draw.

My take: Chelsea win by 1 goal or Draw – (1.89 via N1Bet)

After getting knocked out of the cup by their eternal rivals, Inzaghi’s squad now have one less competition to worry about. But I still don’t think they’ll go full throttle in Serie A – they’re likely saving their legs for the trip to Camp Nou.

Domestically, Inter are solid. They haven’t lost a home league match since that Milan game back in September.

As for Roma, they’ve hit top form lately – but let’s be honest: once they face top-tier opponent, that form will most likely evaporate. Draws against Lazio and Juve, a loss in Bilbao, and a cup exit to Milan all back that up.

Even with a tough European schedule ahead, Inter is my pick to win this duel.

My take: Inter to win (1X2 – Home win) – (1.80 via N1Bet)

Nobody expected “The Foresters” to go this far. It’s been a remarkable season for Nottingham – not just in the cup, but in the league as well. That said, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have stumbled their way into the semis: they beat Brighton, Ipswich, and even Exeter – but only via penalties each time.

In the league, they’re still fighting for European spots, although they’ve dropped to fourth.

Man City, on the other hand, are desperate to salvage their season. Knocked out of the UCL and out of the title race, Pep’s men are clinging to any chance of silverware. A cup win would soften the blow of a lacklustre 2024/25 campaign. They’ve now won three in a row, including a crucial win over Villa – a direct rival for a Champions League berth.

Expect a tight, scrappy battle. Forest will cause problems (as always), but it’s hard to see them pulling off a full upset. This could well go beyond 90 minutes. And with so much at stake, don’t count on a goal-rich match.

My take: Man City not to lose + Under 3.5 goals – (1.67 via N1Bet)

The Ukrainian El Clásico. This match could be the decider for the Premier League title. Will Shakhtar keep their gold medal hopes alive? Or will Shovkovskyi’s Dynamo Kyiv take a decisive step?

Shakhtar dealt themselves a heavy blow with that shock loss to Kolos, but outside of that, they’ve been rock solid in the league this year.

And Dynamo? After a catastrophic European campaign, they’ve been on fire domestically: 19 wins, 6 draws, zero losses. You better believe they’re not going to let that record slip – not in a game as meaningful as this.

We’re in for a fiery clash, but to me, Shakhtar looks slightly more convincing. Expect a tight one.

My take: Shakhtar to win by 1 goal or draw – (1.82 via N1Bet)

If Liverpool get at least one point here, they’ll clinch the Premier League title at Anfield, in front of their own fans. The story writes itself.

Spurs, meanwhile, are saving their best for May when the Europa League semifinals roll around. The only thing pushing them here might be the chance to spoil Liverpool’s party – but that’s hardly enough.

This is peak motivation for the Reds. I don’t think we need to overthink this.

My take: Liverpool -1.5 Handicap – (1.70 via N1Bet)

Marseille have hit the brakes at the worst possible time. With four rounds to go, they’re still second – but the gap between 2nd and 7th? Just 4 points.

Add to that the internal club drama that made headlines recently, and it’s hard to feel too confident in OM, despite their current spot. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they missed out on UCL football entirely.

Beating a doomed Montpellier side is one thing. But Brest? They’re organized, consistent, and a Champions League team this season.

Brest still have an outside shot at Europe – and they’ll be fighting for every point.

My take: Both Teams to Score – (1.65 via N1Bet)

Alt Bet: Brest Over 1 Goal (Team Total) – (2.20 via N1Bet)

Villarreal hold their UCL fate in their own hands: win out, and they’re in the Champions League next season.

Espanyol, once a relegation battler, have been transformed under their new manager. If results go their way – and they keep up this current form – they could even sneak into Europe.

Both teams have everything to play for. This one screams goals.

My take: Both Teams to Score – (1.95 via N1Bet)