European Football: Five betting pointers for the week ahead

Japan striker Shinji Okazaki has been on fire for Mainz

Club football returns this weekend following the international break - and so is David Moyes. So what are the chances of new club Real Sociedad registering a win in the Scotsman's first game in charge? One of many talking points for Louis Massarella this week...

Bordeaux to dent Marseille's title charge further

After a flying start to the season, Bordeaux have got over a recent wobble with two wins in their last two games. They visit leaders Marseille this week, who have suffered their own blip of late, with two defeats in their last three. Bordeaux's last four victories have been by 2-1 scorelines. 23.022/1 for a another 2-1 win seems good value.

Wolves' winning ways checked by Schalke

Wolfsburg are on fire, with six Bundesliga wins in a row, and even though they visit a Schalke side who have stuttered this season, all of the Miners' defeats have been on the road. They are unbeaten at home, including a draw against Bayern and a win against Dortmund. Throw in a draw against Chelsea in the Champions League and it's clear that Schalke can raise their game against the big guns. Try a home win at 3.02/1.

Bundesliga Golden Boot there for the taking

The race is on to be top goalscorer in Germany, with six men tied on six goals and a host of big names close behind them. Mainz's Shinji Okazaki, a genuine centre forward, is joint top of the charts, and if he stays fit, is worth a punt at 17.016/1, as is fellow six-goaler Thomas Muller, 5.04/1, even though Bayern tend to spread the goals around more. For an outside bet, try Ciro Immobile at 34.033/1. He's only scored twice so far, but expect the Italy striker and his club Dortmund to come good eventually.

Honours even, but goals aplenty, in Milan derby

Just when Milan and Inter seem to be finding some form, they hit a rocky patch, which makes it very difficult to know which version of the teams will turn up for this weekend's Derby della Madonnina. Just a point apart and with a draw no good to either, why not go for 2-2 at 15.014/1, the score in both sides' last outings?

Moyes' opening party to lack sparkle

Although 'New Manager Syndrome' entitles David Moyes to get off to a winning start when Real Sociedad travel to fellow strugglers Deportivo La Coruna, odds of 2.3811/8 about an away win make little appeal. Both teams have struggled for goals this season, though, so instead go for Under 2.5 Goals at 1.728/11.