Football enthusiasts were treated to a host of top-notch televised action last week as the Champions League and Europa League returned to the midweek schedules. The changing of the guard continued as Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick at Lionel Messi’s Barcelona and Erling Haaland inspired Dortmund to victory, while Manchester United turned on the style in Turin to decimate a previously solid looking Real Sociedad side.

The weekend saw Liverpool fall to their first Merseyside Derby defeat this millennium, while the Bundesliga and La Liga leaders both suffered shock defeats ahead of their Champions League return this week.

We’re hoping for more of the same this week, and we’ve combed through the fixture list to pluck out the most promising bunch of matches coming to your screens.

Don’t forget, you can see in-depth analysis of these games and more in our latest football predictions and you can find the rest of our football accumulators here.

Daily TV games accumulator

Monday – Juventus vs Crotone (Italy Serie A)

Where to watch: Premier Sports 1  (19:45)

If you’re looking for high scoring action to start the week Turin looks the destination of choice. Crotone have an atrocious record against Juventus but with the leaders of La Liga and Bundesliga already losing this weekend there is definitely the chance of an upset. Make no mistake, it is an very small chance.

Key stats:

• Juventus have won their last three home meetings with Crotone by an aggregate score of 13-0.
• Crotone have picked up just two points away from home this season.
• Crotone have conceded 17 goals in their last five league away days.

Betting tip: Juventus over 2.5 team goals at 8/11

Tuesday – Lazio vs Bayern Munich (UEFA Champions League)

Where to watch: BT Sport 3 (20:00)

The reigning champions of Europe are undoubtedly huge favourites here, but Lazio can’t be underestimated in their first season in the Champions League proper since 2007. The Italians went unbeaten in the group stages and scored in every match, while Bayern Munich’s rock-solid defence has come under some scrutiny this season and they were shocked by Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

Key stats:

• Lazio have scored in each of their last 27 games in all competitions.
• Lazio haven’t failed to score at home since July 2020.
• Bayern Munich conceded in four of their six Champions League group stage games.

Betting tip: Both teams to score at 1/2

Wednesday – Atalanta vs Real Madrid (UEFA Champions League)

Where to watch: BT Sport 3 (20:00)

Atalanta have emerged as the neutrals’ team of choice over the last season and a half and their free-scoring ways go up against Europe’s most successful club. The relative newcomers are by no means ruled out of this tie though and, unlike Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City, this is looking like it could be a lot closer than you would imagine.

Key stats:

• Only two teams remaining in the Champions League averaged more than their 15.5 shots per game in the group stages.
• Atalanta’s six Champions League group games featured 18 goals in total.
• Only Serie A leaders Inter Milan (54) have scored more goals than Atalanta (49) in the top flight this season.

Betting tip: Over 2.5 goals at 4/7

Thursday – Arsenal vs Benfica

Where to watch: BT Sport 1 (17:55)

It might not be the most exciting of ties in goalscoring terms but Arsenal vs Benfica is finely balanced after last week’s 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico, not to mention the fact it’s a tie between two former heavyweights of Europe. The return leg will be taking place in Greece due to Covid-19 restrictions, so it’s set to be just as tight as the first leg.

Key stats:

• Both teams have scored in five of Benfica’s seven Europa League games this season.
• There have been a total of 29 goals scored in Benfica’s seven Europa League games this term.
• Arsenal’s seven Europa League matches have featured 27 goals in total.
• Both teams have scored in four of Arsenal’s last five games in this competition.

Betting tip: Both teams to score at 3/4

Friday – Derby vs Nottingham Forest (England Championship)

Where to watch: Sky Sports Main Event (19:45)

Kickstart your weekend with a fiery East Midlands Derby at Pride Park as these rivals look for bragging rights after rather disappointing campaigns. Both Derby and Nottingham Forest find themselves in the bottom half of the table and in danger of being sucked into a relegation battle, but a victory over rivals is always a surefire way to send confidence skyrocketing.

Key stats:

• Derby haven’t won any of the last seven East Midlands Derby, with their last victory coming in 2017.
• Nottingham Forest have only lost one of their last six league games and one of their last five away league games.
• Derby are just five points above the Championship relegation zone.

Betting tip: Nottingham Forest double chance at 8/15

Saturday – RB Leipzig vs Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany Bundesliga)

Where to watch: BT Sport 1  (17:30)

Two of the most highly regarded young managers in Europe face off in a tactical battle of wits here. RB Leipzig will be hoping to close the gap on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich while the next manager of Borussia Dortmund is looking to push his Monchengladbach side above his future club. Both Julian Nagelsmann and Marco Rose are well known for constantly shifting their tactics and formation, so this could be a cracker.

Key stats:

• RB Leipzig have scored at least two goals in four of their last six Bundesliga games.
• Borussia Monchengladbach have conceded two or more goals in five of their last eight league matches.
• RB Leipzig have scored 1.76 goals per game on average in the Bundesliga this season.

Betting tip: RB Leipzig over 1.5 team goals at 8/11

Sunday – Chelsea vs Manchester United (Premier League)

Where to watch: Sky Sports Main Event (16:30)

The possession-based tactics of Thomas Tuchel come up against a side renowned for their lighting quick counter attacks on Sunday. Manchester United’s meek defence could struggle with the Tuchel-ball style but, with Bruno Fernandes dictating play and Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani up top, anything is possible in this clash between rivals.

Key stats:

• Manchester United haven’t lost away from home in the Premier League since January 2020, a run of 19 matches.
• Manchester United have lost just two of their last 20 competitive games.
• Three of Chelsea’s four league wins under Thomas Tuchel have come against teams in the bottom five of the Premier League.

Betting tip: Man Utd double chance at 4/6