Barcelona and Real Madrid both advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League , prompting several supports of La Liga to call this the top club league in all the land. Regardless as to what actually happens, those two teams appear to be in a league of their own both domestically and internationally. However, 18 other teams make up the league, and quite a few of them still have hope in the standings to qualify for international play next season. Here is a preview of the best five matches for this weekend.

Real Betis @ Real Madrid

Real Betis @ Real Madrid

Despite losing the second leg of the Champions League matchup with Galatasaray, Real Madrid can still make the claim that they are the best club team in the world right now. Last week’s domination of Athletic Bilbao on the road proved it, as they were able to score a trio of goals and shut out the hosts.

This week, they will face a tougher team, but this time they get to play in front of their home fans. Real Betis is currently the last team out of a European League spot, but due to Malaga’s issues, they would theoretically be in. They still have a lot of work to do though, as a number of other teams are right on their heals.

Unfortunately, Betis just has a very inconvenient time to take on Real Madrid. The home team has plenty to play for as well, because they do not want Atletico to catch back up with them in the standings. Betis does have the third most wins on the road in the league, but they come up short trying to outscore Real Madrid. Sorry, but no team at this moment is going to be able to do that. Not with the way Ronaldo has been playing.

Pick: Real Madrid 4-2

Levante @ Barcelona

Levante @ Barcelona

Barcelona might be simply on cruise control in La Liga play, but they will still be tough to beat. Levante will take a stab at things this weekend, hitting the road to try and get points at Camp Nou.

Levante is one of the few middle of the pack teams that really have nothing to play for at this juncture. Sitting in 12^th place, neither European League spots nor relegation fears are realistic. Instead, they will simply be looking for a marquee road win, even if Barcelona is not full strength.

The table toppers have not announced exactly who will play and who will sit in this one, but expect at least a few regulars to get some much needed rest. After all, with La Liga wrapped up, the focus is pretty much on the Champions League only. They still have to play this one, and even the “B” team should be able to handle Levante at home. Unless you are a fan of either team, there is probably not much to see in this one. Barcelona picks up three more points though.

Pick: Barcelona 2-1

Atletico Madrid @ Sevilla FC

Much like Atletico, Sevilla FC is a much more dominate team when they get to play at home. In fact, thy have scored 33 goals and given up 15 at home, while they have scored 15 and given up 30 on the road. This means any shot at catching up with Real Madrid this week will take a lot of strong play and a little bit of luck.

Sevilla isn’t technically out of things, but one more loss and they might as well be. It has just been too much of an inconsistent year for them, and their one win away from home shows that. Still, a strong finish to this season could bode well for the future.

Atletico needs the win, but they will settle for a draw. Look for both teams to get a goal, and then Sevilla to slow things down and be content with a draw against a superior team.

Pick: 1-1 Draw

Real Sociedad @ Osasuna

With just a few matches left in the season, the pressure has to really be heating up for Real Sociedad. Many did not expect them to be this high in the standings, but with a lot of pressure from other teams, they could easily fall out of Champions League play. Can they pick up three points on the road against an inferior Osasuna team?

Sociedad continued their impressive run last week, as they blanked Vallecano on the road. Still without a loss since January 6^th, people continue to doubt them simply because they seem to sometimes be more lucky than good. It is true that they have squeaked out a few draws when they probably should not have, but that is all part of the game.

Osasuna knows how to play the style to force a draw, but Sociedad should be able to do enough to get an outright win. They need a few if they are going to stay in their current position.

Pick: Real Sociedad 2-1

Malaga @ Valencia

The final match in this preview might be the best one of the weekend, as two evenly matched teams face off for the second time this season. Valencia, currently holding on for dear life for the Europa League spot, would love to have a chance to move up with a huge road win. For Malaga, they would love nothing more than to play the role of spoiler since they are banned from international play next season.

Malaga has the edge defensively, but Valencia has been able to make things happen this season against strong defensive units. Playing at home helps, where they score twice as much as they do at home.

As is the case with most Malaga matches, it will come down to how much control they can take early. If they can get a first half goal, it could spell trouble for Valencia. However, the home team should be the stronger of the two since they do have more to play for. This would be a matchup that would go to whoever is the home team. Since it is Valencia in this instance, they get the nod.

Pick: Valencia 2-1

Betting Tips 101

Most English Premier League teams are down to their final five matches heading into the weekend, leaving very little time to make moves on the table. Manchester United is about the only team in the league locked into their spot, as they will take home the league title unless the unthinkable happens and they lose out while City wins out. Here is a look at five of top matches for the weekend, with picks for each one.

Aston Villa @ Manchester United

Aston Villa @ Manchester United

The Red Devils will get the opportunity to officially lock up the EPL title Monday when they host Aston Villa. United should be well rested, with quite a few days off between competition. Look for them to start all of their healthy bodies to lock things up instead of letting everything drag out.

United looked like their old self last week, dominating on both offense and defense against Stoke City. That contest was also at Old Trafford, where they have been simply brilliant this season. It also helps that United has also beaten Aston Villa earlier this season on their home soil.

A determined United side is just going to be too much for Villa to handle. They aren’t a terrible team, but the table toppers can certainly make them look like one. With two more matches next week, this one is important for United to help them relax down the stretch. Expect a similar score to last week as United inches towards the finish line of another solid EPL season.

Pick: Manchester United 2-0

Manchester City @ Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester City @ Tottenham Hotspur

The Spurs will be facing a must-win scenario this weekend, as they play host to 2^nd place City. Tottenham Hotspur has bounced around the top of the table for most of the season, but their recent play has them now in 5^th place. A loss could put them on the outside looking in for a European spot as well.

After getting their Chelsea match rescheduled for May 8^th, the Spurs avoided having to pull off that back-to-back. However, they have to figure out a way to win again, as they have only one in their last six matches. In the last three matches the team has played, they have finished 2-2 each time.

Meanwhile, even a loss for City would not move them from their current 2^nd place standing. They could really begin to feel the pressure though if that were to happen. Both teams should be healthy and ready to battle, so expect a close one. It won’t be the result either wants, but chances are we are heading to another draw.

Pick: 2-2 Draw

Chelsea @ Liverpool

Chelsea @ Liverpool

With a match to makeup on Wednesday, Chelsea will be at a slight disadvantage against Liverpool when they face off on Sunday. However, at the very least, it does give them a chance to finally pick up a win after two straight losses in other competitions.

Chelsea’s defense has never been stellar this season, but they have given up five goals in their last two matches. They need to turn things around if they want to secure a spot in the Champions League. A road win against Liverpool is always difficult, but they have fallen off form themselves.

It seems like a stab in the dark, but Chelsea has more to play for and Rafael Benitez seems to be getting his squad up for the big matches. He is still the interim coach, but a strong finish to the season could help him in contract negotiations down the road. Take The Blues to win a big one on the road.

Pick: Chelsea 3-1

Arsenal @ Fulham

Don’t look now, but Arsenal has snuck into the third spot on the table, holding a slim lead over Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. They have the easiest matchup of the weekend, but even their home contest against 10^th place Fulham is certainly not going to be a walk in the park.

Arsenal last lost a match on March 3^rd, as they seem to be finally gelling together as a team. Part of the reason for their success is that during that stretch, they have not given up more than one goal. Minus last week’s offensive struggles, they are scoring more frequently as well.

Fulham is another one of those teams that is talented, but since they have very little to play for at the moment, they just seem less motivated. At Craven Cottage they are always a tough out, but their recent form has been a bit lackluster.

This match really comes down to that first goal. If Arsenal gets it, they should roll to a victory. If Fulham can score, Arsenal is probably forced to settle for a draw. People should trust Arsenal more right now, especially with extra motivation following the draw a week ago.

Pick: Fulham 1-0

Everton @ Sunderland

With so many teams ahead of them battling in tough matches, this is the time for Everton to make a push to get inside the top five. They will try to take advantage of a struggling Sunderland squad despite having to hit the road.

Last week, Everton pitched their fourth shutout in their last five matches, but lack of scoring prevented them from getting the win over Arsenal. Even though they hit the road this time around, this match is pretty much a victory they need to have if they want hope.

Sunderland seems clear of relegation for now, so there is really little to play for other than pride on their end. That is good news for Everton, as they could use any type of edge they can get.

Things can be tricky for visitors at times at the Stadium of Light, but Sunderland appears to be ready to make a name for themselves in a European League. Cbances are Sunderland will keep it close due to their style of play, but Everton will be in control for the most part.

Pick: Everton 2-1

Betting Tips 101

Headlined by the Benson Henderson-Gilbert Melendez lightweight championship fight, Saturday’s UFC On Fox 7 in San Jose should be an exciting night overall. Several of the fights on the main card could go either way, and there is talent in nearly every weight division.

Things will get started with fights on Facebook, and then on FX. The main card will take place on Fox of course, with eight fighters looking to advance their name in the history of this sport. Here is a closer look at the four main card fights, with winners predicted for each.

Welterweight Weight Class

Matt Brown vs. Jordan Mein

Matt Brown might be 32 years old, but he appears to really be at his peak right now. After winning his fourth straight last time in the Octagon, he will now face a talent Jordan Mein.

In Mein’s first ever UFC outing, he finished off Dan Miller in the first round to cruise to a victory. Brown will certainly be challenged right from the beginning, and a top 10 matchup awaits if he can put it all together. It just will not be that easy that he can hope for that opportunity though. He will have to earn it, and that begins right from the beginning of the fight.

A lot of people love to point to Brown’s record, but the fact is Mein’s win over Miller might have been more impressive. Mein might not be as tough and as powerful as Brown, but what he excels at is beating people with superior skill and technique. A submission could occur early if Brown leaves himself vulnerable. Take Mein to stick to his game plan and pick up a victory.

Pick: Jordan Mein (-365)

Lightweight Weight Class

Nate Diaz v. Josh Thomson

Nate Diaz v. Josh Thomson

It appears as though Nate Diaz was on a path to great things, but after being humbled at UFC of Fox 5, he is looking to save face. He will face Josh Thomson Saturday night in a matchup that he should control as long as he does not try anything crazy.

Thomson comes in struggling, losing two of his last three fights. He did look solid against Gilbert Melendez though, as he earned a split decision with the challenger in the main fight in this event. Consistency is the key right now, as he needs to have a few more positive results before really being able to go all in and demand better fights.

Matchup wise, Diaz is the better puncher and the aggressor in most of his fights. It really is his to lose. If he messes up and ends up leaving himself vulnerable, Thomson is good enough to take advantage. If Diaz comes out with an attitude that this fight needs to end quickly, he will get the win. Diaz craves the opportunity to get back at the top of his weight class. He gets it done after the fight goes the distance.

Pick: Nate Diaz (-210)

Heavyweight Weight Class

Frank Mir vs. Daniel Cormier

Frank Mir vs. Daniel Cormier

Since losing to Junior dos Santos 11 months ago, Frank Mir has been laying low and training. The time is now to step back into the Octagon, as he will take on Daniel Cormier. This fight has so many uncertainties, and it is why it could end up being the matchup of the night.

Cormier comes in highly touted, fighting in his first ever UFC event. The winner of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix champion has dominated MMA fights in the past, but he knows that the UFC is a different animal. It will be interesting to see just how aggressive he is against the experienced Mir.

Mir has always been known as being one of the most dangerous grapplers in the heavyweight division, and possibly all of UFC for that matter. However, one has to imagine he won’t have quite the advantage against a former Olympic wrestler like Cormier. Both fighters incorporate takedowns as part of their strategy, but that might not work in this case.

Cormier might still be a work in progress, but his striking seems to be coming along fine according to practice reports. The rust Mir will have keeps him from finding a way to win. It is just hard for a fighter to take so much time off, because no matter how much you train, people need to experience fighting with something on the line. Take Cormier in his debut, with many more fights to come.

Pick: Daniel Cormier (-450)

Lightweight Weight Class

Benson Henderson vs. Gilbert Melendez

Benson Henderson vs. Gilbert Melendez

After a ton of fights across a variety of networks, UFC on Fox 7 finishes off with a great matchup between Benson Henderson and Gilbert Melendez. For Hernandez, this will be his third fight with his championship belt on the line. He can become one of the all-time greats in the lightweight division if he can hold of Gilbert Melendez.

Melendez might not have the UFC pedigree, but he has defended his Strikeforce title six times in a row. He is a formidable opponent, but can he really cause Henderson problems?

Neither guy looked great in their last fight, as Henderson scraped by against Frankie Edgar and Melendez almost lost to Thomson. The fact is though, they both found ways to win.

Simply due to the fact that the UFC is a stronger overall organization, Henderson appears to be more prepared for this fight. It will be a close one that most likely goes down to a decision, but Henderson once again holds onto his title. At the 155-pound level, Strikeforce just does not have that type of talent. Melendez could very well be back in this position to challenge for the title in the future, but for now he will simply get a lesson as he drops a decision to the reigning champ.

Pick: Benson Henderson (-300)

Betting Tips 101

The beat goes on in NASCAR this week, as the STP 500 at Kansas Speedway is set to take place on April 21^st at 1 PM. It will mark the second week in a row that the Sprint Cup Series will race on a 1.5-mile track. That means drivers who have already done well in Las Vegas and Texas should have the edge in this one. Five drivers have a pair of top 10 finishes at those races this year, so Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, Carl Edwards, Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson should all be considered. Who would be the top three best bets though?

STP 400 Preview

Carl Edwards is a solid favorite to go with this week, based solely o past results. Not only has he finished in the top five of the two 1.5-mile track races this year, but he has had his share of success in Kansas in the past. In his 11 career races on this track, he has finished in the top 10 eight times. He looks to have pretty decent odds, so he is worth a look early on as a legitimate favorite.

After finishing second in both races at Kansas Speedway last season, Martin Truex Jr. has been racing well enough to sneak into the winner’s circle this week. In fact, last week appeared to be his time until a late caution gave Kyle Busch a window to take the lead. Despite last week’s heartbreak, Truex has the experience to dominate on this track. The key for him is to get a decent pole position. If he can secure that, a breakout performance could be waiting for him. Both him and Edwards might not be the outright favorites, but both have odds that are enticing while still having very legitimate shots to make a run.

Finally, although his performance in Texas was subpar, Las Vegas winner Matt Kenseth should have a good outing here. In his career, he has one victory in the heartland. He looked superb in the race in Vegas, leading for much of the race. In fact, during 2011 and 2012, no driver in the series had a better showing at Kansas Speedway races than Kenseth.

The key for Kenseth is to not try and do too much late in the race. He is talented enough that he will be in the hunt, but the last thing he should do is force the issue. Instead, simply running his race and staying out of any trouble should allow him to have at least a shot at the end.

Guys like Jimmie Johnson, Greg Biffle and Kyle Busch should all be in the hunt as well, but the value picks are the three listed above. It just seems like there is a lot of parity on these tracks, so going outside the top reliable guys might be the better option. A person can definitely get a little more value while still taking guys who have won or done well in Kansas in the past.

Picks: Carl Edwards (8/1), Martin Truex Jr. (15/1), Matt Kenseth (8/1)

Betting Tips 101

Boston Red Sox @ Cleveland Indians

Boston Red Sox @ Cleveland Indians

If the Cy Young award was given out after the first three starts of the season, Justin Masterson would probably be getting his named etched on it. The Cleveland Indians will be looking for their ace to once again deliver, this time against the Boston Red Sox.

Masterson has won all three of his starts this year, allowing a grand total of one earned run and 10 hits in 22 innings. The Indians are just 5-7 this year, but Masterson so far has been great. He will try to shut down his former team Wednesday night, as the Red Sox come in with a four game winning streak.

During the winning streak, the key has been pitching. They have given up just five runs in the last four games. In fact, pitching appears to be their recipe for success this year. Only one of their wins has come with their staff giving up more than two runs. Alfredo Aceves will get the ball once again, despite his shaky start when filling in for John Lackey last time out.

Expect a low scoring game, but Masterson’s early success will be the key for the Indians. He might not continue to be completely lights out, but he will keep them in the game to get the win.

Pick: Cleveland Indians (-137)

Betting Tips 101

Montreal Canadiens @ Pittsburgh Penguins

Montreal Canadiens @ Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins and Canadiens have played two completely opposite games in their first two meetings, with Pittsburgh winning both. Montreal will look to steal a win on the road just a few weeks before the playoffs to inch close to the top of the Eastern Conference.

Both teams are starting to run away with their divisions, and that has them in the top two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Perhaps the most amazing things is that both teams have suffered injuries, but that has not slowed them down. Pittsburgh specifically has been without Sidney Crosby for a while, but others have stepped up to fill the void.

Montreal at the moment is a bit concerned with goalie Carey Price. In his last three starts, he is giving up more than 6.5 goals per contest. On the other side of the ice, Marc-Andre Fleury is in the middle of another one of his hot streaks. He has given up just 1.59 goals per contest in his last nine starts.

In the first meeting, Pittsburgh won 7-6. The second one was 1-0. Expect the Penguins at home to win a bit more comfortably this time to sweep the regular season series.

Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins (-140)

Betting Tips 101

Los Angeles Clippers @ Sacramento Kings

Los Angeles Clippers @ Sacramento Kings

It almost seems impossible, but the 2012-2013 regular season in the NBA comes to a close Wednesday night. All 30 teams are in action, but perhaps no game means more to both teams than the Clippers-Kings.

For the Clippers, they are attempting to lock up home court advantage in the first round. They control their own destiny, meaning that if they win, they get the spot. Meanwhile, Sacramento wishes they had more control of their future. This could very well be the last Kings game in the city ever depending on what happens in the offseason.

Los Angeles has won six straight games, including an easy win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. They really seem to be playing well, and on any other night against Sacramento, this should be an easy win.

However, chances are Wednesday night’s game could be pretty emotional. No one knows for sure if the Kings will move to Seattle or stay in Sacramento. The team expects a sold out crowd to be there just in the case this is the last game. Although the Kings have nothing to play for in the standings, they have a city to play for. Expect the Clippers to win, but the Kings will keep it close enough to cover.

Pick: Sacramento Kings (+6.5), under (207.5)

Betting  Tips 101

Kansas City @ Atlanta Braves

Kansas City @ Atlanta Braves

So far this season, the Atlanta Braves have had little trouble with National League opponents. Their 11-1 record is the best in baseball, but now they face off against Kansas City in the American League. Can their strong start continue?

When someone looks at the early season numbers for the Braves, they are staggering. They have outscored opponents 62-23, and their team’s ERA is 1.82. This is all being done with BJ Upton and Jason Heyward both hitting well below .165 on the season.

Kansas City fans have plenty to be excited about as well. Although they have struggled in the past, this appears to be the best team they’ve had in years. They are just 7-5 on the season, but their new starting pitching and ability to get on base has people at least buzzing a little bit.

This should be a good game, but starter Kris Medlen appears to be the real deal for the Braves. He should be able to give them a bit of an edge on the mound by being productive. Jeremy Guthrie on the other side will keep scoring down, but the Braves win their 11^th in a row in front of their home fans.

Pick: Atlanta Braves (-180)

Betting Tips 101

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Washington Capitals

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals jumped out to a terrible start, but since then they have settled in as a Stanley Cup contender. During their current seven-game winning streak, they have looked unstoppable at times. They look to continue their success on Tuesday as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As one would expect, the Capitals were going nowhere without solid play from Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Since they have hit their stride and started to play well, the Capitals have looked like contenders. They currently hold onto the third seed, and as long as they hold off Winnipeg, they should stay their for the playoffs.

Toronto actually has more points this season than Washington, but they sit in third place in the Northeast Division. It is going to be tough for them to go on the road and snap a winning streak, but they have been playing well, going 7-1-2 in their last 10.

It should be a close one, but the Maple Leafs appear like they could get it done. It will be a one-goal victory for either side, but favor the Maple Leafs.

Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs (+138)

Betting Tips 101

Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Clippers

Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Clippers

Thanks to owning the tiebreaker, the Clippers control their own destiny when it comes to trying to lock up either the #3 or #4 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They will go up against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night in their home finale.

It has been an historic season for the Clippers, as they have already won five games. Currently, they are on a five game winning streak as well, trying to peak at the right time heading into the playoffs. They have continued to work on half court sets that they will need in the playoffs when the game slows down.

As for the Blazers, they can’t wait for the end of the season to finally come. They currently are on an 11-game losing streak, and the one-time playoff contenders are now just 33-47 on the year. Damien Lillard continues to play well as a rookie, but the rest of the team is just not clicking at the moment.

It is not a matter of whether or not the Clippers will win, but if they will cover the spread. It is rather large, but Los Angeles seems determined with still plenty to play for. Take them in a rout.

Pick: Los Angeles Clippers (-3), over (202)

Betting Tips 101