This weekend presents punters the last opportunity to have a bet on all of the European leagues, as the final day of the season approaches for most of the major leagues across the continent. All of the title winners have already been settled, and this last game of the season gives all the sides already secured of their places in the league next season, and with nothing left to play for in terms of European qualification, a parade of sorts before their fans, before heading to the close season for a well-deserved rest.
English Premier League
Wigan’s defeat at Arsenal midweek brought to an end their run in the Premier League, after several years of bravely staving off relegation, and brought the team back down to earth following the highs of their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City last weekend. With the relegation battle sewn up going into the final gameweek, and with Manchester United long having claimed the title, with their City rivals assured of second place, there are only the remaining Champions League spots to play for. Chelsea (4/6) host Everton (9/2), with a win securing them of third and automatic entry in the elite European competition next season, and a draw (31/10) securing at least fourth, while Arsenal (4/7) also require a win, at Newcastle (5/1) to enter the qualifiers. The only team that could topple those two teams is Tottenham (2/7), who could look destined to once again miss out on CL qualification unless they defeat Sunderland (11/1) and their rivals drop points.
Italian Serie A
All of the major discussion in the Serie A are equally resolved, with Palermo being condemned to the Serie B for the first time in a decade after their defeat to Fiorentina last weekend. As with the Premier League, the first two spots have long been decided, with Champions Juventus leading the way from Napoli. The only nuts left to crack are the European qualification berths. Milan (1/6) are favourites to finish third, with a win at already relegated Siena (14/1) securing them of third place. Fiorentina (1/6) have to make up two points to Milan, and will have to hope that their rivals drop points and that they keep up the pressure on them with a win at bottom-placed Pescara (14/1). Udinese (11/10) are currently occupying the last of the Europa League qualification places, and a win at Inter (9/4), who are ninth and having their worst season in a decade, will seal their place. Two points behind are Lazio (13/20), who may still qualify for the competition should they win the Italian Cup on the 26th against Roma, but they will nonetheless want to keep the pressure up on Udinese with a win at Cagliari (17/4).
Spanish La Liga
La Liga is one of the few leagues across Europe that will not be entering the final gameweek this weekend, with three games left to play until the season is done. But with the first three places on the log already decided, it is not in a much different state than the other major leagues across Europe. And once again, the battle for the final Champions League spot is the most interesting, with Real Sociedad and Valencia currently sitting with the same points. Real Sociedad (13/5) travel to Sevilla (EVE), and after two games without a win, will see this as a crucial way to get back on track. Valencia (4/5), meanwhile, go to Getafe in a must-win game if they are to return to the Champions League next season.
Tagged With : European Football • La Liga • Premier League • Serie A