This week's Tournament consists of Premier League, Serie A, LaLiga matches. Picks for the week:
✧ Aston Villa vs Fulham: 2-1
Aston Villa wins. Villa hosts Fulham at Villa Park this Saturday, both in a crucial battle for continental places, and both with similar positions on the table—Villa at 7th and Fulham at 8th. Villa has been strong at home and boast one of the league’s best expected goals tallies, but their defence has been leaky. Fulham is organised under Marco Silva and have taken points from several top-half sides lately. With both teams needing a win to keep European hopes alive, expect an open, tense affair where Villa’s attacking quality just edges it.
✧ Everton vs Ipswich: 2-0
Everton wins. Sitting at 15th, Everton is nearly safe but the team would want to end the season on a high at Goodison Park. On the other hand, Ipswich is relegated at 18th, winning only 1 game in the last 10 matches, struggling for goals. David Moyes' side has been stable at home, and this should be enough to break down Ipswich's inconsistent defence. Expect Everton to control the game and secure the points, though Ipswich could make it nervy if they score first—probably not though.
✧ Leicester vs Southampton: 1-1
A Draw. Is this what they call a basement battle? Leicester and Southampton remain at the bottom of the table at 19th and 20th, respectively. Although Leicester has shown slightly more fight recently, I'm hesitant to say that Ruud van Nistelrooy's side can prove decisive against Southampton. Both teams are leaky at the back, but home advantage and a desire to finish with pride could ramp up the excitement of this match. We'll probably see a chaotic draw.
✧ Lecce vs Napoli: 1-3
Napoli wins. Lecce, sitting at 17th, will be hosting Napoli, Serie A's current leaders at the top of the table. Lecce fights for survival while Napoli has been unbeaten in the last 8 matches, showing a vast difference in performance this season. With Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay in top form, Napoli should have more than enough firepower to counter Lecce's, if any, desperation to score. I expect a comfortable win for Napoli.
✧ Arsenal vs Bournemouth: 3-1
Arsenal wins. Arsenal sits at 2nd and has already secured a spot in Champions League. Meanwhile, Bournemouth is mid-table at 10th, safe but with leaky defence, only seeing 1 win in the last 5 matches on the road. Saka and Martinelli should find space, but Bournemouth’s counterattack could pose as a challenge. Ultimately, I expect Arsenal’s superior quality and home support to see them through.
✧ Inter vs Verona: 3-0
Inter wins. Inter is 2nd is currently second and they are definitely closing in on securing a Champions League spot. They have also been dominant at San Siro, with Lautaro Martínez leading the line. Conversely, Verona sits mid-table at 15th and are still at risk of relegation, struggling to score against the top teams. Inter’s depth and attacking variety should be tmore than sufficient for a comfortable win against Verona in this match.
✧ Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo: 3-1
Real Madrid wins. After an intense Copa del Rey finals match last weekend and loss to Barcelona, Real Madrid will be determined to take a win this weekend. Sitting currently at 2nd, Real Madrid is strong at home and will be focused especially seeing this match against Celta, currently 7th, as a good opportunity for a win. Celta Vigo is safe but inconsistent, and their defence has been poor away from home. Madrid’s stars like Kylian Mbappé should create plenty of chances. Expect a comfortable home win, but Celta could grab a consolation.
✧ Brentford vs Manchester United: 2-2
A Draw. Both teams sit mid-table with Brentford at 11th and Manchester United at 14th. Brentford has had reasonable recent form with only 1 loss in the last 5 matches. Meanwhile, Manchester United has had 3 losses and 0 wins in the last 5 matches. Although Brentford's home form has not been outstanding, they might take this opportunity of home advantage to make a dent on United's pride. Ruben Amorim's side has struggled with goals and maintaining consistency all season, but Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro make a compelling case against Brentford's direct style. In a wide-open contest, a draw feels likely.
✧ Brighton vs Newcastle: 1-2
Brighton wins. Brighton hosts Newcastle at Falmer Stadium this Sunday, sitting at 9th while Newcastle sits in the top 3. Both will have their eyes on European football, making this a rather high-stakes encounter. Brighton's attacking play at home is impressive, but Newcastle's recent form is one to highlight, with 4 wins in the last 5 matches. With both teams likely to go for it, expect goals at both ends, but Newcastle’s form and Isak’s finishing could make the difference.
✧ West Ham vs Tottenham: 1-2
Tottenham wins. Both teams are desperate for points to avoid the drop, with West Ham at 17th and Tottenham at 16th. Unfortunately, both teams have had a miserable run and have had rather dismal recent form. West Ham is winless in the last 5 matches and Tottenham has seen only 1 win in the last 5 matches. While West Ham’s home crowd could give them an advantage, but I'm betting on the underdog here—Spurs’ attacking talent like Heung-min Son could help the team edge a win.
✧ Chelsea vs Liverpool: 1-2
Liverpool wins. Chelsea, currently sitting at 5th, will host the champions of this season. A party atmosphere may be expected from the visitors at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool might rotate their squad, giving Chelsea a chance to exploit any lack of intensity. Marc Guiu and Christopher Nkunku could shine for the Blues, but Liverpool’s depth and attacking patterns remain dangerous. Expect a high-quality, open game that ends in a tight win for the champions.
✧ AS Roma vs Fiorentina: 1-0
AS Roma wins. Roma sits at 6th while Fiorentina is 8th, both pushing for Europe. It'll be a tense, tactical Serie A clash. Roma’s home form has been excellent, unbeaten in the last 10 home matches. On the other hand, Raffaele Palladino's creativity could unlock Fiorentina’s disciplined back line. Fiorentina’s away record is, comparatively, patchy, but their midfield can control games if given time. Expect a tight affair with Roma’s edge at the Olimpico proving decisive.
✧ Bologna vs Juventus: 1-1
A draw. Ending this Tournament with an exciting match between Bologna and Juventus, both sitting at 5th and 4th respectively, both fighting for a spot in Champions League. Bologna has been a surprise package this season, tough to beat at home. Meanwhile, Juventus has struggled with consistency but remain a force to reckon with under Igor Tudor's direction. With both teams fighting for a top 4 finish, nerves could play a huge role. Bologna’s organisation and home support could frustrate Juve. I expect this rather equally-matched game to end in a stalemate.
What are your Picks?