Top football matches in major European leagues: 3rd week of February

As February unfolds, the excitement in major European football leagues reaches a pinnacle during the third week of the month. The footballing world eagerly anticipates thrilling clashes and pivotal encounters that are set to unfold across the continent. This week, from intense rivalries to crucial league battles, promises a spectacle for fans. Join us as we delve into the top football matches in major European leagues during the third week of February, where the drama on the pitch is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression on the season.

Top football matches in EPL

Match: Burnley – Arsenal

Date: Saturday, February 17

Time: 15:00 UTC

Location: Turf Moor, Burnley, England

Preview on match

• In their last five matches across all competitions, Burnley recorded two draws and three losses. In the FA Cup Third Round, they faced Tottenham, with Pedro Porro’s goal securing a 1-0 win for the latter. A controversial Premier League clash against Luton Town ended in a 1-1 draw, and Burnley suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City. Despite initially trailing 2-0 against Fulham, Burnley secured a 2-2 draw with late goals from Datro Fofana. In their most recent game against Liverpool, Burnley lost 3-1 despite Dara O’Shea’s equalizer at halftime.

• In their last five matches across all competitions, Arsenal secured four wins and suffered one loss. In the FA Cup Third Round, they faced Liverpool, losing 2-0 with an own goal from Jakub Kiwior and a late strike from Diaz. Arsenal bounced back in the Premier League, defeating Crystal Palace 5-0 with braces from Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, along with a goal from Leandro Trossard.

• Against Nottingham Forest, Jesus and Bukayo Saka scored to secure a 2-1 victory for Arsenal. The Gunners then avenged their FA Cup exit against Liverpool in the league, winning 3-1 with goals from Saka, Martinelli, and Trossard, despite an own goal from Magalhaes. In their most recent outing, Arsenal dominated West Ham with a 6-0 win, featuring braces from Saka and goals from William Saliba, Magalhaes, Trossard, and Declan Rice.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals

Odds: 1.60

Match: Newcastle – Bournemouth

Date: Saturday, February 17

Time: 15:00 UTC

Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle, England

Preview on match

• Newcastle’s recent resurgence, securing seven points from their last three matches, includes a notable 3-1 win at Aston Villa and a thrilling 4-4 draw against Luton. Eddie Howe’s team has been involved in high-scoring affairs, with at least four goals in each of their last six league outings, including a 3-2 triumph at Nottingham Forest.

• Despite injury concerns in their attack, Newcastle has scored at least twice in six of their last nine home matches. Bournemouth, on the other hand, aims to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat at Fulham, having lost only three of their last 14 games under manager Andoni Iraola. With both teams expected to contribute to the goal tally, a 2-2 draw could be a profitable correct-score investment in what promises to be another high-scoring clash at St James’ Park.

• Newcastle’s recent Premier League matches have consistently seen at least four goals in each of their last six outings. Bournemouth, in contrast, has only failed to score in one of their 11 away league games this season. Remarkably, Newcastle ranks among the highest-scoring teams in the league this season, with a tally of 51 goals, surpassed only by the top three teams in the standings.

Pick: Both teams to score (Yes)

Odds: 1.47

Upcoming football matches in the Bundesliga

Match: Wolfsburg – Dortmund

Date: Saturday, February 17

Time: 14:30 UTC

Location: Volkswagen-Arena, Wolfsburg, Germany

Preview on match

• Borussia Dortmund boasts a remarkable average of 2.05 goals per league match, contributing to an impressive 36 unbeaten outings in their last 40 Bundesliga games. With a solid defense evident in three consecutive clean sheets in away all-competition games, Dortmund remains undefeated in their last eight matches across various competitions, showcasing both offensive and defensive strengths.

• On the flip side, VfL Wolfsburg faces challenges, having secured only one win in their last 10 games. With an average of 1.57 goals conceded in recent Bundesliga matches, Wolfsburg’s defense must shore up against Dortmund’s formidable attack, especially considering Dortmund’s 15-game undefeated streak at halftime. The upcoming clash promises an intriguing battle between Dortmund’s scoring prowess and Wolfsburg’s defensive efforts.

Pick: Total 2.5 over

Odds: 1.56

Top football matches this week in Serie A

Match: Inter Milan – Salernitana

Date: Friday, February 16

Time: 20:00 UTC

Location: San Siro, Milan, Italy

Preview on match

• Inter Milan, leading the Serie A by seven points, are in formidable form, having won their last six home matches, five of which were clean-sheet victories. Unbeaten in their last 17 Serie A games, including 14 wins, Inter’s dominance extends to both ends of the pitch with 55 goals scored and a mere 12 conceded this season. Their upcoming clash against bottom-placed Salernitana, who have managed just one win in their last 11 games, suggests another routine win for Simone Inzaghi’s side at San Siro. Inter has a strong track record against Salernitana, winning four of the last five meetings with clean sheets in each of those victories, including a 4-0 triumph in the reverse fixture.

• Salernitana, the second-lowest scorer in the league with just 20 goals, faces a daunting task against Inter’s formidable defense. Inter’s recent home form, including wins over Juventus and Roma, indicates a challenging encounter for the struggling visitors. With Inter’s ability to secure victories at San Siro, especially in matches where they keep clean sheets, the odds are stacked against Salernitana, making it a potentially difficult outing for them on Friday.

Pick: Both teams to score (No)

Odds: 1.72

Match: Lazio – Bologna

Date: Sunday, February 18

Time: 11:30 UTC

Location: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy

Preview on match

• In the ongoing Serie A season, Lazio has played 23 matches, securing 11 wins, four draws, and eight losses. With an average of 1.2 goals scored per game and conceding just 1, Lazio maintains a balanced performance. On the other hand, Bologna, having competed in 24 matches, boasts 11 victories, nine draws, and four defeats. The team displays a slightly higher scoring ability, averaging 1.5 goals per game while conceding 0.9. The upcoming clash between Lazio and Bologna holds added significance as the two teams previously met on November 2, 2023, with Bologna emerging victorious on their home turf.

• The statistical comparison suggests a closely contested match, with both Lazio and Bologna showcasing competitive performances throughout the season. Lazio’s balanced goal-scoring and defensive capabilities may provide a tough challenge for Bologna, especially considering their previous defeat at the hands of the home team in the earlier encounter. As the teams face off once again, the dynamics of their previous meeting could influence the strategies employed by both sides in their pursuit of a favorable outcome in this Serie A clash.

Pick: Both halves under 1.5 (no)

Odds: 1.86

Get ready for an exciting week of football in Europe! The third week of February brings intense matches and important league games. Fans can expect thrilling action as top teams face off, making this week a must-watch for football enthusiasts. The games will showcase the passion and skill of the players, creating memorable moments in the ongoing season. Don’t miss out on the excitement as teams compete for victory on the football field.