As both Bologna and Parma battle it out near the lower half of the table with just one win a piece, the likelihood of goals in this fixture is high. Despite just one win to their name, Bologna have shown resilience this season, having lost just once in seven games across domestic and European fronts. However, their defensive frailties have been a consistent issue, conceding more than they score.

Bologna’s average of 1.17 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per league match has led to over 1.5 goals being scored in all six of their league fixtures so far. This pattern isn’t new, as 74% of their matches last season also saw two or more goals, reinforcing their tendency to be involved in games with guaranteed goals.

On the other hand, newly promoted Parma are struggling to adapt to life in Serie A. While they have managed to score more frequently than Bologna, averaging 1.67 goals per game, their defensive instability is evident with 2 goals conceded per match.

This imbalance has resulted in over 1.5 goals being scored in all six of their league matches, with an impressive average of 3.7 goals per game. Furthermore, three or more goals have been scored in all but one of Parma’s fixtures this season.

The history between the two sides further strengthens the case for goals. Two or more goals have been scored in 69% of their past meetings, including their last five head-to-head clashes. With both teams prone to conceding and scoring, over 1.5 goals looks like a solid selection for this matchup.

Alavés face a daunting challenge as they welcome Barcelona to the Mendizorrotza Stadium, sitting 11th in the table after losing three of their last four fixtures. Despite their struggles, Alavés have been involved in plenty of goal-scoring matches, averaging 1.38 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per game.

As a result, three or more goals have been recorded in five of their eight matches this season, with two other fixtures narrowly missing the mark at 2-0. Given their defensive vulnerabilities, it’s likely Alavés will once again be involved in a high-scoring affair, especially against a potent Barcelona attack.

Barcelona, despite a recent 4-2 shock defeat to Osasuna, have been relentless in front of goal this season. They are averaging an impressive 3.13 goals per game in La Liga while conceding just 1.13, leading to an average of 4.25 total goals per match. Their attacking prowess has carried over to Europe, where both of their European fixtures have also seen three or more goals.

As a result, Barcelona have hit the over 2.5 goals mark in nine of their 10 fixtures across all competitions this season. This selection is also bolstered by Barcelona’s away record of 11 of their last 13 games also seeing three or more goals.

Historically, Barcelona have dominated this fixture, winning 12 of their 15 encounters with Alavés. Over 2.5 goals has landed in 10 of these meetings, including both clashes last season. With Barcelona in fine goal-scoring form and Alavés prone to conceding, three or more goals seems a highly probable outcome.

Despite their positions at opposite ends of the table, both teams have been involved in high-scoring games, making a BTTS (Both Teams to Score) bet a reasonable choice. Reims, sitting in fourth with 11 points, have averaged 1.75 goals per game while conceding 1.33, resulting in an average of three total goals per game. BTTS has landed in all but one of their fixtures this season, the exception being their opening-round match against Lille.

Montpellier, meanwhile, are struggling in the relegation zone, with only one win and a draw to their name. Their defence has been a major issue, conceding an average of 2.83 goals per game while scoring just one, leading to an average of 3.83 total goals per match. BTTS has hit in four of their first six fixtures, as their defensive frailties often lead to high-scoring affairs.

History also supports this selection, with both teams finding the net in five of their last six encounters. Given both sides’ scoring and conceding patterns, another match where both teams get on the scoresheet seems highly likely.