We correctly called Benfica's win at Guimaraes on Saturday night, while on Sunday Jose Mourinho admitted Tottenham were "in trouble" before rescuing a draw against our 17/4 FA Cup outsider tip Middlesbrough. There's Carabao Cup semifinal action this week including the big one between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Running total: -£20.52
The Banker
Manchester United host defending champions Manchester City in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal on Tuesday and it should be an intriguing tussle. The Citizens -- who have lifted the trophy in four of the last six seasons -- have always been respectful of the League Cup and will have revenge in mind after losing to the Red Devils in the Premier League last month.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still searching for his first piece of silverware as United boss yet will be quietly confident given how well his side played recently at the Etihad. Team news will be crucial however as, while Pep Guardiola has a near full strength squad to choose from, United are missing two of their key midfielders in Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.
City stars Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri were all rested for the FA Cup win against Port Vale, meaning they should all feature at Old Trafford. De Bruyne has been directly involved in 19 goals for Man City this season in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see how a United midfield ravaged by injury will cope with the Belgian.
City are 8/13 for the win and while United's 15/4 price will prove popular with some punters, we actually like the look of Manchester City to win and both teams to score at 9/4. You would fancy Solskjaer's men to score at Old Trafford but with key men missing they could be overrun in midfield if De Bruyne is in the mood.
Selection: £4 on Manchester City to win and both teams to score at 9/4 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
Harvey Barnes stepped in to fill the void for Leicester in their weekend FA Cup victory over Wigan but Jamie Vardy is expected to return for the Foxes when they face Aston Villa in Wednesday's second semifinal. Vardy has been out recently with a calf problem but returned to training on Saturday and despite missing the last two matches, is still on course to threaten Mohamed Salah's Premier League goal-scoring record of 32 goals in a 38-match season. Having him back up front is a huge boost for Brendan Rodgers and we like the even money on offer with bet365 on the handicap that Leicester beat Villa by more than a goal.
Add in both teams to score at 3/4 when United and City clash at Old Trafford while elsewhere Real Madrid are a 4/5 shot to win against Valencia in the Spanish Super Cup. Los Blancos started the year in style as they beat Getafe 3-0 at the weekend and they can follow up with a win at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.
Selection: £4 on the treble at 5.3/1 with bet365.
The Euro Wager
Barcelona travel to Saudi Arabia on Thursday in the semifinal of the revamped Spanish Super Cup, but face familiar opposition in Atletico Madrid. Lionel Messi was the difference after the Argentine settled a tight contest between the teams just over a month ago by scoring a sublime late winner, and the reigning Ballon d'Or should again feature for Barca on Thursday.
Defensively, Atletico remain tough to break down and they've only conceded 12 goals in 19 La Liga matches. However Diego Simeone's men have also struggled for goals this season and have now gone nine matches since they last beat the Catalans. On neutral ground in what is likely to be another tight contest, the draw could be the shout here at 5/2.
Selection: £2 on the draw at 5/2 with bet365.