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B/R Experts Predict Top Matches in World Football for Weekend of April 18-19

Ian RodgersApr 16, 2015

The end-of-season run-ins are upon us, and it is no different for our experts in the predictions race.

Mike Cummings broke the 200-point barrier this week to open up a seven-point lead over second-placed Karl Matchett, but who will be leading at the end of the campaign?

Chelsea hope to take another step toward the Premier League title on Saturday, but in-form Manchester United will look to lay down a marker for next season at Stamford Bridge.

Barcelona saw their lead in La Liga cut to two points last weekend, making Valencia's visit on Saturday even more important.

Serie A champions-elect Juventus could effectively see off their nearest challenger when Lazio visit Turin, while both Internazionale and AC Milan will be aiming to end disappointing seasons with a derby victory.

The FA Cup in England reaches the semi-final stage with Liverpool taking on Aston Villa at Wembley on Sunday.

Do you agree with our experts' predictions for this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below.

Chelsea vs. Manchester United

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Alex Livie: Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United

First goalscorer: Branislav Ivanovic

Chelsea are winning ugly at the moment, while Manchester United have been, well, winning. The Red Devils' decent run of form will come to a halt at Stamford Bridge.

Karl Matchett: Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United

First goalscorer: Oscar

No need for Chelsea to do much except keep avoiding defeat to ensure the title is theirs.

Sam Tighe: Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United

First goalscorer: Eden Hazard

United's winning streak is halted by Jose Mourinho playing out a cautious draw. It hurts the Red Devils more than it hurts the Blues.

Will Tidey: Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United

First goalscorer: Wayne Rooney

This one could be a classic. I'm going for four goals to be shared, with United going ahead but Chelsea battling back.

Mike Cummings: Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United

First goalscorer: Juan Mata

The Premier League title is Chelsea's to lose, and even if United manage to take the three points at Stamford Bridge, it's unlikely any club will catch Jose Mourinho's men.

Barcelona vs. Valencia

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Alex Livie: Barcelona 3-0 Valencia

First goalscorer: Luis Suarez

Barcelona were surprisingly held by Sevilla in a 2-2 draw last time out in La Liga and face another tough test here, but they will have too much in the tank for Valencia.

Karl Matchett: Barcelona 2-1 Valencia

First goalscorer: Lionel Messi

Valencia gave Barcelona a tough test in the first half of the season, but Barca still won that encounter 1-0. It should be another tremendous game that FCB edge.

Sam Tighe: Barcelona 2-0 Valencia

First goalscorer: Luis Suarez

Valencia are not the force away from home that they are at the Mestalla, and confidence will be running sky high at Camp Nou after the Paris Saint-Germain win in midweek.

Will Tidey: Barcelona 3-0 Valencia

First goalscorer: Luis Suarez

Much will depend on how Barca recover from their Champions League exertions, but I still expect them to swat away Valencia.

Mike Cummings: Barcelona 2-1 Valencia

First goalscorer: Lionel Messi

Another potentially tricky tie for Barca, who saw Real Madrid cut into their lead atop La Liga last week. Playing at home could make the difference in this one, though.

Juventus vs. Lazio

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Alex Livie: Juventus 1-0 Lazio

First goalscorer: Arturo Vidal

Juventus proved they are human with a surprise 1-0 defeat at the hands of Parma last weekend, but they will get back on track with a battling win over Lazio.

Karl Matchett: Juventus 2-1 Lazio

First goalscorer: Carlos Tevez

Lazio could at least make Serie A interesting a little longer if they get a result, but it’s a big ask. Expect a Juventus backlash after the shock loss to Parma.

Sam Tighe: Juventus 2-2 Lazio

First goalscorer: Carlos Tevez

Lazio's eight-game winning streak comes to an end, but a draw at Juventus Stadium is a very creditable result.

Will Tidey: Juventus 2-0 Lazio

First goalscorer: Arturo Vidal

Juve's shock loss to Parma should have them suitably fired up to beat Lazio on Saturday.

Mike Cummings: Juventus 2-1 Lazio

First goalscorer: Andrea Pirlo

Who would have thought Juventus would lose to Parma? Anything is possible, apparently, but Juve are kings of Serie A for a reason, and I think they'll get back to winning ways against Lazio.

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Aston Villa vs. Liverpool

4 of 6

Alex Livie: Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool

First goalscorer: Christian Benteke

A place in an FA Cup final is at stake, so it will be tense stuff, with the two sides level after 90 minutes.

Karl Matchett: Aston Villa 1-3 Liverpool

First goalscorer: Raheem Sterling

Both teams will head into the match with confidence, but on an expansive and impressive surface, the quality and speed of Liverpool’s attack should win out.

Sam Tighe: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool

First goalscorer: Christian Benteke

Villa manager Tim Sherwood goes for glory after insisting the pressure is all on the Reds, but quality edges enthusiasm here.

Will Tidey: Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool

First goalscorer: Christian Benteke

This one is going to be full of drama, with Liverpool eventually scraping through on penalties to keep the dream Steven Gerrard goodbye alive.

Mike Cummings: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool

First goalscorer: Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool's momentum in the Premier League slowed after back-to-back losses to Manchester United and Arsenal. A top-four finish is probably still the main priority, but Brendan Rodgers will be keen to collect some silverware this season, and the FA Cup is the Reds' last chance.

Inter Milan vs. AC Milan

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Alex Livie: Inter 0-0 AC Milan

Two fallen giants both looking up rather than down at present. The Milan derby spoils will be shared at the San Siro.

Karl Matchett: Inter 0-0 AC Milan

Inter and Milan are two teams miles away from where they should be. Defeat would sum up a dreadful season for either.

Sam Tighe: Inter 1-2 AC Milan

First goalscorer: Jeremy Menez

The battle between ninth and 10th—how on earth did it come to this? Milan nick it.

Will Tidey: Inter 0-0 AC Milan

A goalless draw is my rather dull pick for the Milan derby, complete with a couple of red cards of course.

Mike Cummings: Inter 1-1 AC Milan

First goalscorer: Jeremy Menez

It's hard to remember the last time a Milan derby meant so little. At best, one of these teams might sneak into a Europa League spot, but it's more likely they'll both finish in mid-table mediocrity. However, that doesn't mean this game will lack any of its usual fire.

Latest Standings

6 of 6
B/R Experts Table
Position Week TotalTotal
1Mike Cummings7205
2Karl Matchett3198
3Alex Livie5188
4Sam Tighe8185
5Alex Dimond7171
6Will Tidey2146

Correct result: One point

Correct first goalscorer: Two points

Correct scoreline: Three points

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