Graham Ruthven: Something for the Weekend

To score – Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal v Wolves) 

Arsenal have won their last four matches in all competitions with Gabriel Martinelli fresh from scoring in the 6-0 demolition of Lens in the Champions League during the week. The Brazilian winger frequently plays his best football when starting alongside compatriot Gabriel Jesus who is fit again for the Gunners.

Jesus’ movement creates space for Arsenal’s wide men in the attacking third with the Gunners a more fluid team up front with the 26-year-old in the lineup. Martinelli could be the primary beneficiary of this – he is frequently on the same wavelength as Jesus with their combination play (Jesus has assisted Martinelli more than any Arsenal player besides Martin Odegaard).

Under 2.5 total goals – Burnley v Sheffield Utd 

Saturday’s fixture between Burnley and Sheffield United is the epitome of a relegation six-pointer with both teams desperate for points to climb out of the bottom three. The two promoted sides have struggled for form this season and are the two lowest-scoring teams in the division after 13 matches.

There has been under 2.5 goals in six of the last seven matches between Burnley and Sheffield United at Turf Moor, further hinting at a low-scoring, cagey affair between two rivals who are struggling for confidence at the moment. 

Match to be a draw – Napoli v Inter

Sunday sees last season’s Serie A winners face this season’s table-toppers with Napoli hosting Inter. This will be Walter Mazzarri’s first home match since returning to Napoli over the international break and there have been signs that the defending Scudetto champions are more comfortable under the veteran coach.

Inter, meanwhile, have drawn their last two matches. Simone Inzaghi’s team are unbeaten in their last seven league matches while Napoli are unbeaten in 20 of their last 22 home matches against Inter in all competitions. Signs point to this being a fixture that finishes with both teams taking a point.

Both teams to score – Barcelona v Atletico 

Barcelona need a win over Atletico Madrid this weekend to ease the building pressure on Xavi Hernandez. The Catalans have struggled for consistent form recently, winning just three of their last six matches in all competitions, and Diego Simeone’s team will provide tough opposition at the Montjuic.

Atleti, on the other hand, have momentum behind them. They have won four in-a-row in all competitions and are sitting above Barcelona in the La Liga table, albeit on goal difference. However, Atletico Madrid have won just three of their six away matches in the league so far this season.

Graham’s Fourfold

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Graham’s Bet Builder – Man City vs. Spurs

A few weeks ago, Sunday’s match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur would have been a clash between two potential title challengers. City remain among the favourites to add another Premier League trophy to their collection, but Spurs have fallen away after a number of damaging injuries to key players.

Manchester City, however, have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League matches while Tottenham have scored in every single match they have played this season. City have demonstrated a weakness against teams that like to play on the break and so this could be a challenging match-up for the champions.

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