League action resumes in full swing for 2022 and the rest of Europe’s top five leagues are now back after the customary Christmas break. This period is well known for a good influx of games, so we can expect matches to come in thick and fast, due to cup competitions. After a splendid 2021, we aim to do even better this year with our tips and there is a feel-good factor of optimism as we bring you the likely betting tips and predictions to go with from today’s action.
Straight Wins
Frankfurt and Dortmund have had a good tussle for supremacy over the past seasons and today they face each other to see who can edge closer to Bayern in the title race. Dortmund has gone an unbeaten six-game streak and looks to extend it today as they face Frankfurt today. Dortmund have won two out their last five H2H games, losing just once in that run and playing a draw in the remaining two games. Despite the unimpressive form in recent weeks shown by Dortmund, we are backing them to bounce back here today and win this game as they have done quite well in recent seasons. Bet9ja has 1.98 odds, Paripesa has 2.04 odds and 1xBet has 2.04 odds.
The last game to be played on Sunday, and perhaps the most interesting one, is Real Madrid vs Valencia duel. Leaders, Real Madrid experienced a false start to 2022, going down 1-0 to Getafe, which has given the chasing pack with games in hand some renewed hope. Yet, the omens remain positive for the 34-time champions, as the Getafe defeat was preceded by an unbeaten run of 11 La Liga (LL) games (W9, D2). Valencia has not beaten Los Blancos away from home in 14 years and has won just two of the last eleven meetings between the two sides. We predict that Real Madrid will bounce back to form by getting a win. Bet9ja has 1.35 odds, Paripesa has 1.38 odds and 1xBet has 1.38 odds.
It has not all been plain sailing for Xavi since taking charge of Barcelona, but a 1-0 win over Mallorca last time out, their second in three games, extended an unbeaten league run to four matches. Granada have just two victories over Barcelona in their last 10 meetings across all competitions making this game a tough one for this side to win. We predict a win for Barcelona here as they have shown a fighting spirit to win games in their recent matches this season. Bet9ja has 1.76 odds, Paripesa has 1.82 odds and 1xBet has 1.82 odds
After a solid first half of the Bundesliga campaign, Freiburg kick-off 2022 with a visit from Arminia Bielefeld. Both sides finished 2021 with important victories to their names and will want a similar result at the start of the second half of the campaign. Freiburg’s best-ever start to a Bundesliga campaign concluded in fine style just before the break, when they recovered from a blip of just one win from six games to take maximum points against their fellow contenders for Champions League football, Bayer Leverkusen. Arminia is, though, aside from which struggles for inspiration in the final third, so Freiburg’s greater pedigree upfront should prove the decisive factor at the SC-Stadion. Bet9ja has 1.62 odds, Paripesa has 1.66 odds and 1xBet has 1.66 odds.
Over 2.5 Goals
Four of the previous five head-to-head duels between Real Madrid and Valencia have gone over 2.5 total goals and we would be surprised if that isn’t the case in their upcoming duel as well. After all, Real Madrid averaged 2.90 goals per game in the league so far, while Valencia averaged 3.11 goals per game this season in La Liga. So, these two teams should have no problem combining for three or more goals. Bet9ja has 1.54 odds, Paripesa has 1.63 odds and 1xBet has 1.63 odds.
Mainz 05 arrive at the Red Bull Arena to test the resolve of RB Leipzig and their new manager, Domenico Tedesco. Meetings between RB Leipzig and Mainz have been fueled with the fire of late. The last five duels have seen 4.6 goals on average and this match should not be any different. Die Roten Bullen have scored 83 percent of their goals at home and will be looking to add to Mainz’s growing list of issues on the road. Add to the fact that 16 goals have been scored by both sides in their last five Bundesliga outings. This period has seen three of Leipzig’s and four of Mainz’s league engagements conclude with at least three goals. Bet9ja has 1.72 odds, Paripesa has 1.82 odds and 1xBet has 1.82 odds.
Dortmund are back in the selection as we know how good they have been in front of goals this season making this a very easy choice in this section. While Erling Haaland and co. score freely, their maligned defense has allowed their rivals to sneak through. Their recent form in Bundesliga fixtures exemplifies this as four of their last five fixtures concluded with both teams scoring and Over 2.5 total goals. With nine of their last ten fixtures across all competitions seeing at least three goals on matchday, their meeting in Frankfurt should not be an exception. There were seven goals in their last duel and more of the same should be expected in this encounter. Bet9ja has 1.44 odds, Paripesa has 1.48 odds and 1xBet has 1.48 odds.
Three of the last five head-to-head duels between Granada and Barcelona have gone over 2.5 total goals and we expect the same thing to happen on Saturday. After all, Granada averaged 2.58 goals per game in the league until now, while Barcelona averaged 2.74 goals per game in La Liga this season. Both teams have scored in three of those four matches though, so there are problems in keeping clean sheets, while they have kept only one clean sheet in their last seven on the road in La Liga. Both teams will score in this fixture which is an added tip because both are having problems in defense. Bet9ja has 1.77 odds, Paripesa has 1.88 odds and 1xBet has 1.88 odds.
Anytime Goalscorers
Benzema
If Madrid are to score today, it would likely come from their most in-form player Benzema. The Frenchman is a prime candidate to get it, having hit a brace inside the first ten minutes during Real’s final win of 2021. He is no stranger to goals this season as he has scored 15 goals this season which would see him leading the race for top scorer this campaign. Bet9ja has 1.80 odds while Paripesa has 1.61 odds.
Haaland
After returning from injury Haaland has helped Dortmund to retain the second spot and still challenge for the title has he has scored decisive goals for them. Haaland has 13 goals in the Bundesliga this season, scoring four goals in his last five fixtures after his return from injury. Today he would surely end his goal drought in his last consecutive games and find the net. Bet9ja has 1.65 odds while Paripesa has 1.61 odds.
Schick
Only Lewandoski has more goals than the Czech Republic striker this season in the Bundesliga. He has a total of 16 goals this season and has scored 8 goals in his last four matches in the Bundesliga. Patrik Schick set a new club record during the first half of the season by netting 16 Bundesliga goals, yet he hasn’t scored in any of his previous four top-flight H2Hs, which he is sure to do today. Bet9ja has 2.35 odds while Paripesa has 2.20 odds.
Luuk De Jong
The Barcelona forward has seemingly made his way into the starting lineup under new boss Xavi as he has been in such impressive form this season. Luuk de Jong has now scored seven of his last eight LL goals away from home. He has a certain goal prowess in away fixtures and he will reward the manager for starting him today with goals. Bet9ja has 2.35 odds while Paripesa has 2.30 odds.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
