In-play Football Tips: Atletico Madrid switch off at 60

Atletico Madrid haven't been as relentless as usual of late

Michael Lintorn has some in-play pointers for Roma v AC Milan, Newcastle v Sunderland and Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid...

Roma v AC Milan
Saturday, 19:45
Live on BT Sport 1

Match Odds: Roma 1.84/5, AC Milan 5.24/1, The Draw 3.9n/a

The odds confirm the extent of Roma and AC Milan's role reversal over the past 18 months, with all statistical barometers supporting the capital club's 1.84/5 favouritism. They have won seven of their eight domestic home games in 2014/15, whereas AC Milan have won just one of their past six away.

The in-play advice for this contest - lay Roma to score the second goal (which is done via the Next Goal market) - might sound strange, but hear us out. The Rossoneri have grabbed the second goal in three of their past five road trips and one of the exceptions was a one-goal clash, in which case the lay pays out.

Newcastle v Sunderland
Sunday, 13:30
Live on Sky Sports 1

Match Odds: Newcastle 2.111/10, Sunderland 4.1n/a, The Draw 3.45n/a

Though there is a compelling case for fancying Sunderland to win the Tyne-Wear derby - they have won the most recent three and have been beaten once this term by a team outside the top six - it is a brave punter who backs them pre-match at 4.1n/a given that they have triumphed twice all season.

The strategy therefore is to wait and see if the Black Cats open the scoring and, if so, back them in-play at what should remain an appetising price. The deadlock-breakers won each of the previous three Tyne-Wear skirmishes and six of the latest eight at St James' Park. There hasn't been a come-from-behind victory in the fixture when Newcastle have hosted since 2000.

Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid
Sunday, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports 5

Match Odds: Athletic Bilbao 4.03/1, Atletico Madrid 2.26/5, The Draw 3.3512/5

Atletico Madrid haven't "won" the final half hour of any of their last five La Liga encounters, being outscored 1-3 in that period in those outings, and were even "defeated" 1-2 in the final 30 minutes of their home Copa del Rey tie with third-tier L'Hospitalet in midweek.

Combine that pesky habit with the fact that Athletic Bilbao have netted "after 60" in three of their last four La Liga games and you sense some late disappointment looming for the champions. You can decide how best to use this knowledge: with options including a next goal bet on Athletic when the clock hits 60:00 or a punt on the draw or a home success depending on the score at the time.