Friday, October 1, 2010

| by

0

02.10.2010. 15:30 Mainz 05 - 1899 Hoffenheim

Going For A Magnificent Seven

Only two sides have ever won their opening seven Bundesliga fixtures - Bayern Munich in 1995-96 and Kaiserslautern in 2001-02. After their win in the Allianz Arena last week, which sent shockwaves through German football, the "Bruchweg-Boys" are hoping to become the third. The most impressive aspect of their win against Bayern was that they genuinely deserved it, having outclassed the reigning champions over the ninety minutes. Coach Thomas Tuchel is refusing to be carried away, however.

"As I have said many times during our run, the table currently shows that we are on the right track. We are only now at the seventh matchday - there are still many games to go," Tuchel told the pre-game press conference.

"Of course we are happy with six wins but we are not having any negative thoughts. We do not believe there is an inevitable collapse around the corner, that would mean that conversely, we would rather we had not won six times."

Mainz and Hoffenheim both have similar styles of play in that they both look to approach the game with an upbeat tempo and they like to harry the opposition into mistakes. That is just one of a number of interesting subplots that surround this game. Ralf Rangnick coached Tuchel at Elm in the late nineties and encouraged him into management. Rangnick knows exactly the extent of the unexpected pressures Tuchel is experiencing as his Hoffenheim side were a surprise table-topper two seasons ago but the cynics will say that Mainz have done it without the benefit of a wealthy benefactor.

"We expect an opponent who will be very similar to us in their style of play. Hoffenheim have a similar mentality to us and similar principles. They are very willing runners, play quite direct and they look to attack early. I expect a high-tempo encounter," Tuchel remarked.

Looking To Spoil The Party

While much of the attention has centred around Mainz's surprise ascent to the summit of German football, Hoffenheim have been quietly making waves themselves. After six games, they sit in fourth spot with eleven points from six matches. Surprisingly, their defence has proven to be one of the most solid in the league with just six goals against, only the top two of Mainz and Dortmund have been meaner.

Hoffe are coming off the back of just two points in their last three games, having suffered a last-minute (but deserved) defeat to Bayern and drawn twice against Kaiserslautern and FC Koeln. They never got off the ground against die Geissboecke, never sustaining a consistent level of performance in that game, with Vedad Ibisevic particularly disappointing. Nevertheless the Bayern reverse is their only loss in their last ten league games and they are unbeaten away from home since April when they lost 4-0 in Wolfsburg, suggesting they will be a formidable opponent for a Mainz team looking for a seventh straight win. Coach Ralf Rangnick is set to continue with his 4-3-3 system, with 3 genuine strikers on the pitch.

"Our strengths lie in the 4-3-3 system and aggressive defending. We will concentrate fully on that system and not on any others," Rangnick told the pre-game press conference.

Such an approach is in stark contrast to the horses for courses approach taken by Thomas Tuchel but Rangnick does not view his loyalty to 4-3-3 as being too inflexible and is fired up by the chance to end Mainz's winning streak.

"4-3-3 suits Hoffenheim the best. And if we have three strikers, who are fit, we will always play with three upfront. It is actually quite nice to be visiting the league leaders. We go there as the outsiders but in the knowledge that we are capable of turning over anyone in the league. We are definitely looking forward to going to Mainz and ending their winning run."

TEAM NEWS

Mainz


Thomas Tuchel has a fully fit squad with the exception of goalkeeper Heinz Mueller who is still out as he continues his rehab from an anterior cruciate ligament and Jan Simak who has back trouble. For the first time this season, Andre Schuerrle and Lewis Holtby look set to start together in a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation behind Hungarian striker Adam Szalai. However, that is dependent on Holtby shaking off a calf problem. Slovakian full-back Radoslav Zabavnik looks set to replace Niko Bungert on the right side of defence.

Probable Starting XI: Wetklo - Zabavnik, Svensson, Noveski, Fuchs - Karhan, Polanski, Soto - Schuerrle, Holtby - Szalai

Hoffenheim

Hoffe received a blow during the week when Sebastian Rudy picked up a calf injury in training. Defender Matthias Jaissle and Chinedu Obasi are undergoing strength work as they battle back to full fitness. Andreas Beck is a doubt due to a knee problem with Andreas Ibertsberger on standby to come in at right-back. Boris Vukcevic is also a slight injury doubt with the flu. Ralf Rangnick will stick with the 4-3-3 system, which he feels suits his group of players the best.

Probable Starting XI: Starke - Beck, Simunic, Vorsah, Eichner - Weis, Luis Gustavo, Salihovic - Mlapa, Ba, Ibisevic


Prediction
Despite the long unbeaten streak of Hoffenheim away from home, Mainz are playing them at the right time. Irresistible in the Allianz Arena last week, the "oh-fives" are playing too well and have too many players in form. Therefore, I'm going for a home win.

Mainz 2-1 Hoffenheim

| by

0

02.10.2010. 13:45 Wigan Athletic - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Latics Searching For Home Comforts

A bottom of the table clash kicks off this weekend’s fixtures as Wigan Athletic entertain Wolves at the DW Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

Both sides have not won a game since August and will be going all out to turn things around and drag themselves away from the bottom of the table with a victory.

Wigan are still looking for their first home victory of the season after one draw and three defeats so far. They picked up a battling point in their last match against Birmingham City which showed that Martinez’s side aren’t afraid to fight for points and the visit of Wolves will require just as much effort if they are to get anything out of the match.

Wolves On The Hunt For Three Points

Wolves have now gone five games without a win in the league, and have not picked up three points since their opening day victory over Stoke City.

In their last three games, McCarthy's men took the lead but failed to hold on to it, but they will be buoyed that they have scored in all their away matches this season and will hope the history in this fixture is a good omen.

Last season both sides won their away game and Mick McCarthy will be hoping that his side can bounce back from their defeat against Aston Villa and take all three points.
TEAM NEWS

Wigan Athletic
Franco Di Santo could start after the ankle injury he received against Birmingham last weekend was not as serious as first thought, although Martinez may not want to risk the striker from the start.

As a result, Hugo Rodallega could start up front rather than Mauro Boselli who has still yet to score following his summer move to the DW Stadium.

Gary Caldwell is unlikely to start but should be on the bench after making his comeback from injury in the reserves against West Ham United in midweek.

Possible starting XI: Al Habsi; Boyce, Alcaraz, Gohouri, Figueroa; Cleverley, McCarthy, Thomas, Diame, N’Zogbia; Rodallega.
Wolves

Wolves are definitely without Adlene Guediora who suffered a broken leg in the closing minutes of the defeat against Aston Villa and is expected to be out for six months.

Mick McCarthy is unlikely to start the unsettled Jelle van Damme after the defender revealed he was struggling to settle in England, while Michael Mancienne could be recalled to stiffen up the Wolves midfield.

Possible starting XI: Hahnemann; Foley, Craddock, Berra, Elokobi; Jarvis, Henry, Mancienne, Jones, Fletcher; Doyle.
Prediction

Wigan Athletic 1-1 Wolves

01.10.2010. Nebojša Miličić, Trener u Realu

Deportivo je u velikoj krizi, pa mi se čini da Real ima najlakši posao u ovom kolu. Pobeda ne bi smela da dođe u pitanje.
REAL M. - DEPORTIVO     1

Barselona je kod kuće favorit protiv bilo koje ekipe na svetu, a poznato je da Majorka igra slabije kada gostuje. Ni na ovoj utakmici ne bi trebalo sumnjati u pobedu domaćina.
BARSELONA – MAJORKA     1

Viljareal je sjajno započeo prvenstvo, a Santander još traži formu, pa je kec na “žutu podmornicu” treći fiks Primere.
VILJAREAL – SANTANDER     1

Sevilja je promenila trenera, pa sa velikim očekivanjima ulazi u duel sa Atletikom iz Madrida. Gosti su jaki, ali ne verujem da mogu da osvoje više od boda.
Sevilja – Atletiko M.     1X

Fudbaleri Valensije biće premoreni od duela sa Mančester Junajtedom u Ligi šampiona, pa bi nezgodni Bilbao to mogao da iskoristi i izvuče remi na terenu lidera španskog prvenstva.
Valensija – Bilbao     X

Almerija i Malaga igraju derbi Andaluzije na kojem je najrealniji nerešen rezultat.
Almerija – Malaga     X

01.10.2010. Andjelko Đuričić (Leirija, Portugal 1)

Porto ima ubedljivo najbolju ekipu u Portugalu. Gimaraeš je kvalitetan tim, uz to i domaćin, ali teško može da se odupre snažnijim gostima, koji su slavili na svih šest odigranih utakmica.
GIMARAEŠ - PORTO     2

Benfika se malo trgla, a Braga nije ista ekipa od prošle godine, kada je bila strah i trepet za sve rivale. Mislim da će bodovi sa ovog meča sigurno pripasti Benfici.
BENFIKA – BRAGA     1

Sigurna bi trebalo da bude i jedinica na Nacional, kojem u goste dolazi Portimonense.
NACIONAL – PORTIMONENSE     1

Rio Ave bi u derbiju začelja morao da savlada ekipu Maritima, a moju Leiriju čeka težak meč sa Akademikom. Naši gosti su u samom vrhu tabele, pa bih se na ovom meču pre konačnog rezultata odlučio da gađam umereni broj golova.
Rio Ave – Maritimo     1
Naval – Fereira     2-3

01.10.2010. Nenad Džodić (Monpelje, Francuska 1)

Iz teškog kola francuske prve lige izdvojio bih samo jedinicu na Monako, kojem u goste dolazi Brest. Mislim da Monako ima tim za gornji deo tabele, pa će u ovom kolu dojučerašnji drugoligaš morati da položi oružje.
MONAKO – BREST     1

Lion je u nezavidnoj situaciji, ali ima sreće, jer gostuje Nansiju, timu koji je poznat po kiksevima na svom terenu. Mislim da je na ovom meču dvojka realan znak.
Nansi – Lion     2

Vodećem Sent Etjenu neće da bude lako da svalada Marsej, ali očekujem da lider na tabeli zabeleži novu pobedu.
St. Etjen – Marsej     1

Poslednji Arl će teško do prvih bodova, iako mu u goste dolazi neubedljivi Okser.
Arl – Okser     X2

01.10.2010. Nemanja Gudelj (Breda, Holandija 1) uživo gledao meč Ajaks - Milan

Mladi fudbaler Brede Nemanja Gudelj gledao je uživo u utorak meč drugog kola Lige šampiona u Amsterdamu između Ajaksa i Milana (1:1). Iz gledališta “Arene” uverio se u snagu “kopljanika”.
- Još jednom se potvrdilo koliko je Ajaks moćan tim, malo je falilo da savlada Italijane. Jasno je da je veliki favorit ovog vikenda protiv Utrehta i to mi je sigurica kola
AJAKS - UTREHT     1

Ogromna je razlika u klasi između PSV-a i Venla, pa “filipsovcima” teško mogu da izmaknu sva tr boda.
PSV – VENLO     1

Kao fikseve izdvajam i trijumf Alkmara nad Heraklesom, koji igra katastrofalno u gostima, i pobedu Vitesea nad Viljemom, čiji igrači još nisu osvojili ni bod.
ALKMAR - HERAKLES     1
VITESE - VILJEM     1

Bredin protivnik je NEC.
- U pitanju je neugodna ekipa, ali nama bi trijumf mnogo značio, jer posle toga gostujemo Ajaksu, gde teško možemo nešto da uradimo. U formi smo, trebalo bi da pobedimo.
Breda - NEC     1

Od ostalih parova istakao bih Rodu, koja pruža dobre partije, pa bi mogla da slavi na stadionu Ekscelziora, čiji fudbaleri su malo pali u formi.
Ekscelzior - Roda     2

Fejenord je u seriji od tri poraza, ali smatram da neće izgubiti u gostima kod De Grafšapa
De Grafšap - Fejenord     X2

01.10.2010. Rajko Janjanin (Panatinaikos, Grčka) tipuje na Olimpijakos

Olimpijakos je fiks kola iz više razloga. Prvo, u pitanju je odličan tim, mnogo jači od Volosovog, zatim fudbaleri su odmorni, sveži i skoncentrisani samo na prvenstvo, jer su ispali iz Evrope, a tu je i motiv da ostanu na vrhu tabele.
OLIMPIJAKOS – VOLOS     1

Druga sigurica je AEK, jer bi ekipa mogla da se “prodrma” posle odlaska trenera Dušana Bajevića, a i gostujući Ksanti nije preterano kvalitetan.
AEK - KSANTI     1

Da ne igramo meč Lige šampiona protiv FK Kopenhagena, izdvojio bih i moj Panatinaikos kao siguricu, ali ovako umor može da utiče na ishod susreta.
Ergotelis - Panatinaikos     2

Dve utakmice mi mirišu na iks, a to su solunski derbi PAOK – Aris i Kerkira – Iraklis.
PAOK - Aris     X 
Kerkira - Iraklis     X

02.-03.10. 2010. Premier League Preview

Birmingham City v Everton
Five of the last seven meetings between Birmingham and Everton have ended as draws, including the last three in a row.
Birmingham have only won one of their 12 Premier League meetings with Everton.
In his last 11 Premier League games officiating Birmingham City, Phil Dowd has awarded seven penalties against them.
Birmingham are unbeaten in their last 18 Premier League matches at St Andrews.
Birmingham have only won two of their last 16 Premier League matches.
There have been only three goals scored at St Andrews this season, fewer than at any other Premier League stadium this season.
Birmingham have averaged only 3.2 corners per game this season, fewer than any other side.


Liverpool v Blackpool
There has only been one home win in the last 12 meetings between Blackpool and Liverpool.
Liverpool and Blackpool have not met in any competition since 1971.
This is Liverpool's worst ever start to a Premier League season with just six points and -3 goal difference.
Only in seven top-flight seasons all-time have Liverpool gained fewer points after six games than this season (based on three points for a win), with it last happening in 1953-54.
In three of those seven worse seasons after six games Liverpool were eventually relegated.
Blackpool have conceded more away goals than any other Premier League team this season (10) but only Chelsea have picked up as many points (6) as the Seasiders.


Stoke City v Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn have failed to score in their last three league matches against Stoke.
Stoke City have failed to score in four of their last six league meetings with Rovers.
Howard Webb has given three reds cards to Blackburn players in the Premier League, more than against any other club.
89% of the goals Stoke have conceded this season in the league have been netted in the first half, a higher proportion than any other side in the division.
Kenwyne Jones has produced a shot every 20.9 minutes this season, the third most regular rate in the division.
No Premier League team picked up more points in September than Stoke, seven.
Rovers have won only one of their last 13 Premier League away games in October.


Sunderland v Manchester United
Manchester United have lost none of their last 16 Premier League matches against Sunderland.
Manchester United have won six of their last seven away Premier League games at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats have only lost one of their last 13 Premier League home matches and that was to Manchester United.
Darren Bent has scored eight goals in 10 games against the ‘big four' sides in the Premier League for Sunderland.
This is the first time in Sunderland's Premier League history that the Black Cats have lost only one of their opening six matches.
Only in one Premier League season (2001-02) have Manchester United conceded more goals (10) in their first six games than this season (9).


Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
Six of the last 10 Premier League matches between Spurs and Villa have ended as draws.
75% of the goals Villa have scored have been netted in the first half, the highest proportion in the top flight.
Mark Clattenburg awarded a penalty for the opposition on both occasions that he refereed Aston Villa away from home last season.
After six Premier League games last season Tottenham had scored twice as many goals (12) and conceded twice as many too (10).
Villa have failed to score in only three of their last 23 league games in October.
Spurs have won only two of their last 13 Premier League games in October.


West Bromwich Albion v Bolton Wanderers
Six of the eight Premier League meetings between West Brom and Bolton have ended as draws.
This is West Brom's best ever start to a Premier League season, but the season they started with their worst-ever opening (4 points after 6 games) is the only one where they survived.
Peter Walton has awarded four penalty kicks against Bolton Wanderers over the last four occasions that he has refereed them in the Premier League.
West Brom were one of three teams to take a league-high seven points in September, along with Stoke and Manchester City.
WBA have scored only nine goals in 15 Premier League games in October.
Bolton have kept only one clean sheet in their last 12 league games in October.


West Ham United v Fulham
Fulham have only won two of the 14 Premier League meetings with West Ham, their first and last.
Carlton Cole has scored in each of his last four Premier League matches against Fulham.
All four of West Ham's goals this season have come from set pieces.
Victor Obinna has had more shots in the Premier League without scoring than any other player in the division, 13.
Fulham are one of only two unbeaten teams left in the Premier League this season.
Fulham are only the second team in Premier League history (after Ipswich in 1992-93) to draw five of their first six games.
Fulham have won only three of 41 Premier League London derbies away from home.


Chelsea v Arsenal
Didier Drogba has scored 12 goals in his last 10 appearances in all competitions against Arsenal.
The Gunners have only been able to win two of their last 17 matches against Chelsea.
Arsenal have won more times away at Chelsea (6) than any other team in the Premier League era.
Nicolas Anelka has scored seven goals in his last 11 Premier League starts against Arsenal.
Arsenal's recent record against Chelsea and Manchester United since their win at Stamford Bridge in November 2008: P9 W0 D1 L8 F5 A20.
Mike Dean has awarded five penalties in the last seven games that he has taken charge of a Chelsea match in the Premier League.


Manchester City v Newcastle United
City are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against Newcastle winning five of those games.
Should they win this match, Newcastle United will pick up their 250th victory in the Premier League.
City have equalled their best ever defensive performance (two goals conceded) after six Premier League games, matching (2007-08)
Manchester City have never lost a Premier League game in October at home to a non Big-Four side.
Newcastle have won only one Premier League away game in October since 2003.


Wigan Athletic v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Both meetings between Wigan and Wolves last season ended as away wins with the home side not scoring.
Wigan have converted just 3% of their shots into goals this season, a lower percentage than any other side.
Wolves have committed the highest number of fouls (100) in the Premier League this season.
This is Wigan's worst start to a Premier League campaign after six matches.
Wolves were the only Premier League side not to pick up a single point in September.
All three of Wolves' Premier League away games in October have ended as draws.
Wigan have not kept a clean sheet in October since 2006, a run of 11 games.

02.-03.10. 2010. Championship Preview

Barnsley v Cardiff
Barnsley won both league clashes between the sides last season without conceding a goal.
The last three meetings between the sides at Oakwell in all competitions have ended 1-0: once to the Tykes and twice to Cardiff.
Barnsley are unbeaten at home in the league this season.
Jamie Hammill has scored in his last three appearances at Oakwell.
Cardiff have lost their last two away games, both by a score of 2-0.


Bristol City v Norwich
Bristol City have won their last five meetings with the Canaries.
Norwich have managed just one win in their last seven trips to Aston Gate, losing five.
The Robins are the only Championship side yet to pick up a win at home in the league this season.
Norwich have scored exactly once in each of their away matches this season.


Crystal Palace v QPR
Three of the last four league clashes between Palace and QPR have ended in a draw.
The Eagles have scored just once in their last four games against QPR.
Akos Buzsaky scored in both games against Crystal Palace last season.
The Hoops have kept eight clean sheets in nine league games this season.
Palace have failed to score in five of their last six league matches.
Jamie Mackie has scored in every away match for QPR this season.


Doncaster v Nottingham Forest
Doncaster have won three of their last four games at home to Forest by a score of 1-0: the other match finished goalless.
Nottingham Forest have failed to score in six of their last eight games against Rovers.
Rovers remain unbeaten at home in the league this season.
Forest are unbeaten in their last eight league games, though six of these have been draws.


Hull v Coventry
Hull have won just one of their last five games at home to Coventry.
The Tigers are yet to see one of their strikers score in the league this season.
Hull are one of only two teams in the Championship yet to concede a goal at home.
The Sky Blues have scored in every match this season, but have kept only one clean sheet.


Ipswich v Leeds United
Ipswich are unbeaten in six against Leeds, drawing three.
Roy Keane lost just two of his 17 meetings with Leeds in the Premier League as a player, and won both Championship games as manager of Sunderland in 2006/07.
Ipswich are yet to score in the first half this season.
Leeds' last four league games have seen them keep two clean sheets, but concede six and five in the other two.


Leicester v Scunthorpe
In eight meetings, Scunthorpe have never beaten Leicester.
Martyn Waghorn scored for Leicester in both meetings with the Iron last season.
The Foxes have conceded a total of 10 goals in their last two league games.
Only four teams have picked up more points on the road in the Championship this season than Scunthorpe.


Middlesbrough v Portsmouth
Boro have lost just one of their last six clashes at home to Portsmouth, drawing four.
Pompey have failed to score in four of their last six matches against Middlesbrough.
Boro have won their last three home league games.
Pompey have lost their last five matches away from home in the league.


Millwall v Burnley
Millwall have lost just one of their last seven games at home to Burnley in all competitions.
The Clarets have failed to score on their last four trips to Millwall's ground.
After winning three of their opening four games, Millwall are without a victory in their last five in the league.
Burnley have picked up just one win from their last 14 away from home in the league.


Preston v Reading
The Royals have won on two of their last three trips to Deepdale.
Simon Church and Jimmy Kebe both scored in each match against Preston last season.
None of Preston's last 14 league games have ended in a draw.
Reading have had a man sent off in their last three games.


Sheffield United v Watford
United have won three of their last four matches against Watford.
United are yet to score more than once in a game this season.
The Blades' games have produced just 16 goals this season, fewer than any other side in the Championship.
Despite playing only four games, if only away form counted in the Championship this season, Watford would be top.


Swansea v Derby
Swansea won both meetings with Derby last season by a score of 1-0.
The Swans' are the only Championship team with a 100% home record this season.
Stephen Dobbie has hit three goals in his last four league appearances.
The Rams have scored more goals in their last two league matches (eight) than they had in their previous seven this season.

02.-04.10. 2010. Scottish Premier League Preview

Hearts v Rangers

  • Kenny Miller has scored in his last two appearances against Hearts.
  • Each of the four teams to have previously won their opening six SPL games have gone on to win their seventh.
  • Rangers have won only four of their last nine SPL matches at Tynecastle.
  • The Jambos are without a win in their last seven SPL games at home, their longest such run since April 1999.
  • The Gers have scored at least twice in their last seven league games.



Celtic v Hamilton Academical

  • The Bhoys have won their last nine meetings with Hamilton in all competitions.
  • This is only the second time Celtic have won their opening six league games, after 2000/01.
  • Celtic have won all 14 league games under Neil Lennon.
  • No Celtic player has scored more than twice this season in the league.
  • The Accies have won four of their last six league games on the road, losing just once.



Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Aberdeen
  • Caley Thistle have won just one of their 15 SPL meetings with Aberdeen.
  • The Dons have scored at least twice on each of their last three trips to play at Inverness.
  • This is Aberdeen's highest scoring start to an SPL season (nine goals after six games).
  • Scott Vernon has hit five goals in his last four appearances in all competitions.
  • Caley Thistle have lost their last four matches at home in the SPL, scoring just one goal in this run.
  • Aberdeen have scored exactly once in their last six away games in the league.



Kilmarnock v Dundee United
  • Three of the last four league clashes between the two sides have ended in a draw.
  • United have failed to score in four of their last six SPL games against Killie.
  • Kilmarnock have won only one of their last five home league games at Rugby Park.
  • Jamie Hamill has been involved in four of Killie's seven SPL goals this season (three goals, one assist).
  • Three of the Terrors' last four away games in the league have ended in a draw.



Motherwell v St Mirren
  • The Steelmen have won only two of their last seven SPL matches at home to St Mirren.
  • Only once before (12 in 2007/08) have Motherwell had more points after six SPL matches than this season.
  • However they are without a win in their last six league games at home.
  • Should St Mirren fail to win this match, they will equal Dunfermline's record of 19 consecutive away matches without a win in the SPL.
  • The Buddies have lost their last three league matches by a score of 2-1.



St Johnstone v Hibernian
  • The Saints have failed to score in five of their last seven SPL clashes with Hibernian.
  • Liam Craig scored three goals in his three league meetings with Hibs last season.
  • Only once before (three in 2002/03) have Hibs had fewer points after six SPL matches than this season.
  • Derek Riordan has been involved in five of Hibernian's six goals in the SPL this season (three goals, two assists).
  • St Johnstone have picked up just one win from their last eight SPL matches.
  • Hibs' last eight away league games have averaged 2.6 goals.

02.-03.10. 2010. Spain - Primera Division preview

Almería v Málaga
Almeria have won five of their six league meetings with Malaga, losing the other, that is more victories than against any other side in La Liga.
Almeria have won each of their three home meetings against Malaga in La Liga, keeping a clean sheet in each of the last two.
Almeria's 2-0 win over Deportivo on the last match-day was their first after six consecutive league games without a win (three draws and as many defeats).
At home, Almeria are without a win in their last three league games (two losses and one draw).
Malaga have not shared the points this season in La Liga, having won two games and lost three.
Curiously, Malaga have lost their three home games and won their two away matches.
Malaga boast the most prolific attack and the worst defence of La Liga, with 11 goals netted and 11 conceded so far this season.
Jesualdo Ferreira's side have scored nine of their 11 goals in the first half, a record so far in La Liga 2010/11.


Barcelona v Mallorca
Barcelona and Mallorca have not shared the points in their last 16 meetings in La Liga: the Catalans have won 13 times, the Balearic side have had the better on three occasions.
At home, the Blaugrana have won six of their last seven matches against the Barralets, losing the other one.
At home Pep Guardiola's side have won 12 of their last 13 league fixtures, losing only against Hercules.
After losing at home against Hercules, Barcelona have won their last three league matches.
Mallorca have alternated defeats and wins in the last four match-days of La Liga.
Mallorca have lost their last three away games in La Liga, failing to score in each of these.


Getafe v Hércules
This will be the first meeting in the top-flight between Getafe and Hercules.
Getafe's 0-2 defeat against Malaga was their first at home in La Liga after a run of six unbeaten games (three wins and as many draws).
Hercules have not conceded a goal in their last two league fixtures (a goalless draw at Zaragoza and a 2-0 home win against Sevilla).
Away from home the Herculanos are still unbeaten this season in La Liga (one win and one draw).
None of Getafe's eight league goals have been scored from set piece situations this season.
David Trezeguet has scored each of Hercules' last three goals in the league.


Osasuna v Levante
Osasuna and Levante have won three times each in their six previous meetings in La Liga.
Osasuna have won their last two home meetings against Levante, scoring six goals in the process.
The Pamplona side have won only once in their last seven league fixtures, failing to score four times.
At Pamplona however, Osasuna are unbeaten in their last eight league games (four wins and four draws).
Levante have won only one of their last 10 games in La Liga, losing seven and drawing two.
Before their 1-0 win at Almeria, Levante had lost four consecutive games away from home in La Liga.


Real Madrid v Deportivo de La Coruña
Real Madrid have won their last three league meetings with Deportivo La Coruna.
Real Madrid and Deportivo have not shared the points in their last 15 meetings in La Liga (eight wins for the Merengues, seven for Depor).
At the Bernabeu, Real have won nine of their last 10 matches against Deportivo, including the last five.
Real are unbeaten in their last 12 league fixtures (nine wins and three draws).
At home, the Merengues have won their last five league games, keeping a clean sheet three times.
Deportivo are without a win in their last six games in La Liga (three draws and as many losses), failing to score in five of these.
Away from home, Depor are winless in their last 15 league games (five draws and 10 defeats), in which they have netted only four goals.
Mourinho's side boast the best defence of La Liga this season, with only one goal conceded after five match-days.
On the other hand, Deportivo have the worst attack of the Spanish top division (only two goals netted).


Real Sociedad v Espanyol
Espanyol are unbeaten in their last six league meetings with Real Sociedad (four wins and two draws), keeping a clean sheet on four occasions.
Real Sociedad have scored only one goal in their last three matches against Espanyol at San Sebastián.
Real Sociedad have lost their last three games in La Liga.
Espanyol have not shared the points in their last 10 fixtures in La Liga (five wins and as many defeats), and have alternated losses and wins in their last eight league games.
Away from home, the Catalans have lost their last four consecutive league games without scoring a single goal.
Three of Real Sociedad's last four goals in La Liga have been scored by Tamudo.


Real Zaragoza v Sporting Gijón
These two sides have met 62 times in the top-flight: Zaragoza lead by 25 wins to 14, 23 draws complete the record.
At home, Real Zaragoza have lost only three times against Sporting Gijon in La Liga, including their last meeting last season (1-3 back in February).
Zaragoza are winless in their last three league meetings with Sporting (two draws before that defeat).
Zaragoza have picked up only two points so far in La Liga, and are currently bottom of the table.
Zaragoza are also winless in their last seven league fixtures, and have failed to score in the last three.
Sporting are without a win in their last 10 away games in La Liga (seven defeats and three draws), in which they have netted only three goals in the process.


Sevilla v Atlético de Madrid
Sevilla and Atletico have not shared the points in their last nine league meetings: the Rojiblancos have won five times, the Colchoneros four.
At Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan the hosts have won three of the last four league games against Atletico.
Sevilla are winless in their last three league fixtures at home (two draws and one defeat).
Atletico have won only once in their last 12 away league games, having lost seven times and drawn four; however, they are unbeaten in their last three games away from home in this competition (two draws and one win).
Sevilla manager Antonio Alvarez was sacked following defeat to Hercules last Sunday - the first for the Andalucians in this campaign.
However, Sevilla had won only once in their last five games in all competitions.
Sevilla have gained the most points from trailing situations in La Liga this term (six).


Valencia v Athletic de Bilbao
Valencia have won their last three league games against Athletic, scoring two goals in each of these.
Before these three games, Athletic had the better in their previous four matches against Valencia in La Liga.
At the Mestalla, Los Che have lost only once in their last 22 league meetings with Athletic, winning 15 times and sharing the points six times.
Valencia are unbeaten in their last six league games (five wins and one draw), a run that put them top of La Liga with 13 points.
At home Valencia are unbeaten in 2010 (12 wins and two draws).
Athletic have won only once away from home in 2010: eight defeats and five draws complete the record.
Los Che are the only side to have not conceded a goal in the second half so far in La Liga.


Villarreal v Racing
Villarreal have won 12 times in 20 games against Racing in La Liga, more than against any other side.
Villarreal are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with Racing (five wins and two draws).
At home, the Yellow Submarine have won six of their last seven league games against Racing, drawing the other.
The Verdiblancos have scored only one goal in their last five visits to Villarreal.
Villarreal have won their last four consecutive league fixtures.
At home, Villarreal have won nine of their last 10 league games, losing only against Barcelona.
Racing have won only once this season in La Liga, failing to score three times.
Away from home the Racinguistas are winless in their last seven league games (four defeats and three draws).

02.-03.10. 2010. Italy - Serie A preview

Bologna v Sampdoria
Bologna have won only one of their last 10 league meetings with Sampdoria, the Blucerchiati have won four times and five draws (including the 1-1 in March) complete the record.
Four of the last six meetings between these two sides at the Dall'Ara have ended in a draw, each side have won one in the process.
Bologna have suffered just one defeat in the last 10 fixtures of Serie A between this season and last, winning twice and sharing the points on seven occasions.
Samp have drawn 0-0 on the last two match-days of this campaign against Cagliari and Udinese.
Away from home, the Blucerchiati are on a run of three consecutive draws against Palermo, Juventus and Cagliari.
Marco Di Vaio has netted four goals in the last three match-days of Serie A; Di Vaio also scored a hat-trick against Sampdoria in the league in March 2009.


Chievo v Cagliari
This will be the 11th meeting between these two sides in the top-flight: Chievo lead by four wins to two, with four draws.
The hosts are unbeaten at the Bentegodi against the Sardinians in Serie A (two wins and three draws).
Chievo have not shared the points in the last 12 match-days of Serie A (five wins and seven defeats, including that suffered against Lazio last Sunday).
Stefano Pioli's side have conceded a goal in each of their five fixtures of this campaign.
At home, Chievo have lost four of their last five fixtures between this seaon and last in the league.
Cagliari have managed to win only one of their last 19 Serie A games - 5-1 at home against Roma last month.
The Sardinians have won only once away from home since start of 2010, back in January against Bologna.


Fiorentina v Palermo
Fiorentina and Palermo have shared three wins each in their last six Serie A meetings.
The Viola and the Rosanero have also shared three wins each over their last six at the Franchi.
Fiorentina and Palermo have not drawn in their last 17 meetings at the Franchi, since December 1949 (0-0).
That is also the only draw between these two sides in 23 previous meetings at Fiorentina's ground in the top-flight.
Last Sunday's win over Parma (2-0) ended Fiorentina's 11-game winless run in the league.
Palermo have won three of their last four games on the road in Serie A between this season and last.


Genoa v Bari
Genoa have picked up only two points from their last five Serie A meetings with Bari in the top-flight, without scoring more than a single goal per game in the process.
Genoa have managed to beat Bari only once in their last six meetings at the Marassi, and were held to a 1-1 draw in the last two.
Giampiero Gasperini's side have not scored more than a single goal in any of the last nine match-days of Serie A.
At home, the Grifoni have netted exactly one in each of their last five league fixtures.
Bari have managed only one win in their last 17 league games on the road (last March at the Olimpico against Lazio).
Giampiero Ventura's side have conceded an average of three goals per game over their last five trips in Serie A.


Inter v Juventus
Juve and Inter have shared two wins each and a draw over their last five meetings in the league.
At the San Siro, the hosts have beaten Juventus in the last two meetings without conceding a single goal; however, prior to this, the Bianconeri had won twice in a row.
Inter are unbeaten at home in their last 43 fixtures in the league - their last defeat came against Juventus in March 2008 (2-1).
At home, Inter are on a run of seven consecutive wins in Serie A.
Juventus won against Cagliari last Sunday - the last time the Old Lady managed two consecutive wins in the league was in February.
Prior to their win against Udinese (4-0), Juventus had picked up only one point from their previous seven games on the road in Serie A.
Juventus boast the best attack of this campaign (12 goals scored), but also the worst defence (nine conceded).
Inter have the best defence so far (only three goals shipped).


Lazio v Brescia
Brescia have beaten Lazio 13 times so far, more than any other side in the top-flight.
Lazio have failed to score on the last two occasions they have hosted Brescia in the league (a 1-0 defeat and a goalless draw between 2004 and 2005).
Prior to this, Lazio had beaten Brescia seven consecutive times at the Olimpico, conceding only two goals in the process.
After losing on their seasonal debut with Sampdoria, Lazio have notched up three wins and a draw, enough to go top of the Serie A table, alongside Inter.
Both sides have scored seven goals in this campaign: Lazio have netted six after the break, Brescia six before half time.
Lazio's goals have been scored by seven different players so far, a record amongst Serie A sides this season.


Lecce v Catania
These two sides have met only twice in the top-flight so far, in 2008/09: Lecce won at home 2-1 while they drew 1-1 at the Massimino.
Lecce have drawn their last two fixtures, with Parma and Palermo - on both occasions they were held to a draw after taking the lead in the game.
Lecce are unbeaten in their last five Serie A games, however they have shared the points in three of their last four at the Via del Mare with the same scoreline (1-1).
Catania are unbeaten in the last four match-days of Serie A (two wins and as many draws).
Away from home though, the Sicilians have failed to win in their last nine fixtures, since beating Lazio at the Olimpico last February (1-0); since then, five draws and four defeats on the road for the Biancocelesti.
Catania are alongside Napoli as the only sides to have scored in each of the five match-days of this campaign.


Napoli v Roma
Roma are unbeaten against Napoli in their last 10 meetings in Serie A (six wins for the Giallorossi and four draws, including 2-2 last February).
Roma have had the better on three of their last five visits to the San Paolo, with two 2-2 draws completing this record.
Seven of the eight points collected by Napoli this season have come away from home; in facts, the Partenopei are still waiting for their first win at home in this campaign.
Roma lost their first two away games of this campaign, conceding seven goals in total.
Napoli have already gained seven points from trailing situations, but have also lost as many after having taken the lead this term.
Napoli have scored the most goals in the second half so far this season (seven).
Roma share with Juventus the worst defence of this competition (nine goals conceded so far).


Parma v AC Milan
Parma's win last March at the Tardini was their first against AC Milan after 11 league meetings in which the Rossoneri remained unbeaten.
The Ducali have scored only two goalsin their last six league meetings with the Rossoneri.
Five of the six goals conceded by Parma in this campaign have come from the penalty spot.
After scoring four goals in their debut against Lecce, AC Milan have netted only three in the ensuing four fixtures of Serie A.
The Rossoneri have picked up only one point from their last five away games between this season and last.
AC Milan are the only side yet to concede a goal from a set piece this season in Serie A.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already scored eight goals in his career against Parma in the league, more than against any other Italian side so far.


Udinese v Cesena
These two sides have met six times in Serie A, the last time was in February 1990: Cesena lead by three wins to two, with a draw rounding off the record.
Udinese have had the better on the last two occasions they hosted Cesena (3-1 and 1-0).
Last Sunday's goalless draw with Sampdoria gave Udinese their first point of this campaign - however this is still their worst ever start to a Serie A season after the first five match-days.
Udinese have scored only two goals in the first five fixtures - currently the worst attack of the Serie A.
Francesco Guidolin's side have lost their last two games at home, without scoring a single goal (0-1 against Genoa and 0-4 with Juventus).
After collecting seven points from the first three fixtures, Cesena have lost the following two league games, conceding six goals.
Cesena's last away win in Serie A was in October 1990; since then, they have managed only two draws and 14 defeats.
Cesena have failed to score in their last five away games in Serie A.

02.-03.10. 2010. Germany - Bundesliga preview

Hannover v St. Pauli
Hannover have lost only one of their last eight Bundesliga matches (six wins, one draw).
Hannover are unbeaten in their last five home matches, winning four (one draw).
The two teams' only two previous Bundesliga meetings, in the 1988/89 season, ended in draws.
In the second league, St. Pauli won two of their last four matches at Hannover, losing just one (one draw).
St. Pauli have won two of their three away matches this season (one loss).
St. Pauli have won only one of their last five league matches, losing three (one draw).


Hamburg v Kaiserslautern
Hamburg lost their last two league matches, after drawing two and winning their first two.
Hamburg have won only two of their last seven home matches in the league (three draws, two losses).
Hamburg have won the two teams' last three meetings, and four of the last five (one loss).
In their last Bundesliga season (2005/06), Kaiserslautern lost both meetings with Hamburg 0-3.
Kaiserslautern have won none of their last four league matches, losing three (one draw).
Kaiserslautern have won only two of their last seven away matches in the Bundesliga and the Second Division (two draws, three losses).


Mainz v Hoffenheim
Mainz have won their six league matches this season (a seventh win would equal the record for the best start to a season).
Mainz are unbeaten in their last 11 league matches, winning eight (three draws).
Mainz have won both Bundesliga matches against Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim have won none of their last three league matches (two draws, one loss).
Hoffenheim are unbeaten in their last five away matches in the league (two wins, three draws).
Hoffenheim have scored at least one goal in their last 10 league matches.


Mönchengladbach v Wolfsburg
Mönchengladbach have won only one of their six league matches this season (two draws, three losses).
Mönchengladbach have won none of their last five league home matches, losing their last two (three draws).
Mönchengladbach have a negative Bundesliga record against Wolfsburg, losing 13 of their 20 meetings (six wins, one draw), and losing five of 10 at home (four wins, one draw).
Last season, Wolfsburg won their meeting in Mönchengladbach 4-0.
Wolfsburg have won the two teams' last five league meetings.
Wolfsburg have won their last three league matches.


Freiburg v Köln
Freiburg have won four of their last five home matches in the league (one defeat).
Freiburg have scored at least one goal in each of their last 10 league matches, the joint longest series of this kind with Hoffenheim.
Last season, both meetings ended in draws.
Köln have won none of their last seven duels with Freiburg in the Bundesliga and Second Division (three draws, four losses).
Köln have won only one of their six league matches this season (two draws, three losses).
Köln have won none of their last five away matches in the league, losjng four (one draw).


Nürnberg v Schalke
Nürnberg haven't won any of their last 14 Bundesliga matches against Schalke 04, losing 10 (four draws).
Nürnberg have lost their last five matches against S04 and scored only two goals in those matches.
Nürnberg have won only one of their six league matches this season (three draws, two losses).
Schalke are unbeaten in their last three competitive matches (two wins, one draw), after losing five in a row.
Schalke have won only one of their last four away matches in the league (two losses, one draw).
Schalke haven't kept a clean sheet in six league matches this season.


Stuttgart v Frankfurt
Stuttgart have lost five of their six league matches this season (one win).
Stuttgart have won five of their last eight home matches (one draw, two defeats).
Stuttgart won the teams‘ last three meetings.
Frankfurt have won none of their last eight eight matches against Stuttgart, losing six (two draws).
Frankfurt have lost four of their six league matches this season (two wins).
Frankfurt have lost four of their last six away matches in the league (one win, one draw).


Leverkusen v Bremen
Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last four league matches, winning two (two draws).
Leverkusen have won only one of their last 11 competitive meetings with Bremen (four draws, six defeats).
Leverkusen have won none of their last five home clashes with Bremen (three draws, two defeats).
The last three league clashes between the two teams ended in draws.
Bremen have lost three of their six league matches this season (two wins, one draw).
Bremen have won none of their three away matches in the league this season, losing two of those 1-4 (one draw).


Dortmund v Bayern
Dortmund have won their last five league matches, scoring 16 goals.
Dortmund have won only two of their last five home matches (two draws, one defeat).
Dortmund have won none of the two teams‘ last six competitive meetings, losing five (one draw).
Bayern have won four of their last five league meetings (one draw), scoring 17 goals in these.
Bayern have won only two of their six league matches this season (two draws, two defeats).
Bayern have lost only one of their last six away matches in the league (three wins, two draws).

02.-03. 10. 2010. France - Ligue 1 preview

Arles-Avignon - Auxerre
Auxerre are unbeaten against Arles-Avignon in all competitions: winning four and drawing twice.
Auxerre and Arles-Avignon are the only teams without a win this season in Ligue 1.
Auxerre are without a win after seven match days for the second time in their Ligue 1 history, it also happened in 1986/87.
Arles Avignon have scored the fewest goals (three) and conceded the most (16).
All three Arles-Avignon goals this season in the league have been headers, and Franck Dja Djedje has been involved in all of them (two goals and one assist).
Arles-Avignon are only the second team to lose their opening seven league games in the French top-flight history, after Grenoble last season.


Bordeaux - Lorient
Lorient have never won a competitive match at the Chaban-Delmas stadium (four defeats and three draws).
Bordeaux have kept two consecutive clean sheets in the league for the first time this calendar year.
Lorient have failed to win their last six away games in Ligue 1 (three draws and three defeats), their worst run since the 2007/08 season.
Lorient have scored a league-high four goals in the opening 15 minutes of their games.
David Bellion has netted six goals in his four league starts against Lorient, all coming as braces.
Kevin Gameiro has scored in his last two league appearances against Bordeaux.
Bordeaux have scored in each of their last 11 home games in Ligue 1.


Monaco - Brest
Monaco are unbeaten in their last seven competitive encounters against Brest, winning six and drawing one.
Monaco are unbeaten in their last nine home games in the league, winning five and drawing four.
Brest have won just once in their 10 trips to Monaco in the top flight, scoring just two goals in total.
Monaco are the only Ligue 1 team who have yet to concede a goal at home this season.
Brest have won their last two away matches in Ligue 1, so far they have never managed to win three in a row.
Brest have kept a clean sheet in their last four league fixtures, currently the longest run in Ligue 1 and also their longest ever in the top flight.
A league-high six Monaco goals have been netted by new signings.
Monaco currently register the most 0-0 draws this term in Ligue 1 (three).


Nancy - Lyon
Nancy have lost all of their four competitive home games this term.
Lyon have netted just four goals after seven match days, their lowest total at this stage of the competition since 1991/92.
Nancy have yet to score at home this term in Ligue 1.
Lyon are one of only three teams who have lost all of their away games this term in Ligue 1.
Lyon are unbeaten in their last 10 league meetings against Nancy, winning nine and drawing one.
Nancy have failed to score more than one goal in their last 14 league matches against Lyon.
No Nancy player has scored more than one goal this season in Ligue1.


Sochaux - Lens
Lens are unbeaten in their last 12 competitive encounters against Sochaux (10 wins and two draws).
Lens have won their last four trips to the Bonal stadium in all competitions.
Sochaux have picked up the most points at home this season (10).
Sochaux have scored seven goals in their last two home games in the league.
Lens have failed to win their five league games, their only win so far this season was against Arles-Avignon who are currently ranked bottom of the league.
Ideye Brown has scored in each of his last three league starts at the Bonal stadium.
Lens have conceded the opening goal in a league-high six games this term.
Lens have conceded the most goals in the final 15 minutes of games this term (seven).


Valenciennes - Caen
Valenciennes have failed to win their last five league matches and have won just one of their last 11.
Caen are unbeaten away from home this season in Ligue 1, winning twice and drawing twice.
Caen have been defeated in all of their three trips to the Nungesser stadium in Ligue 1, conceding eight goals in the process.
Valenciennes are one of three clubs who have yet to score a first-half goal this season in the league.
The three wins managed by Caen this season in Ligue 1 have all been by a one-goal differential.
Five of the seven Valenciennes goals this term have come from set-piece situations.
Valenciennes have conceded exactly one goal in each of their last five league fixtures.


St Etienne - Marseille
St Etienne have won their last four league matches, their best run in the top flight since 1988.
Marseille have won five of their last six competitive matches against St Etienne.
St Etienne are top of the league for the first time since 1981/82.
Marseille are the only side who have scored in all seven match days this season in Ligue 1.
St Etienne are the only side with a 100% record at home this term in the top flight.
Five of the seven goals netted by Ligue 1 top scorer Dimitri Payet have been netted at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium.
Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac is the Ligue 1 player with the most shots attempted without finding the net this season (20).
Brandao has netted three goals in his four competitive appearances against St Etienne.
All three goals netted by Andre Ayew this term in Ligue 1 have come on the road.
A league-high 89% of the goals conceded by Marseille this term have come after the half-time break.


Lille - Montpellier
Montpellier have won just one of their 15 trips to Lille in the top flight, losing on nine occasions and drawing five times.
Lille are one of two teams who remain unbeaten this season in Ligue 1.
Lille have lost just one of their last 21 home games in the league, winning on 15 occasions and drawing five times.
Lille have lost just four of their 41 home games in the league with Rudi Garcia as manager (27 wins and 10 draws).
Gervinho has netted three goals in his last two Ligue 1 starts.
Montpellier have just netted one goal in their three away games so far this season in Ligue 1.


Paris SG - Nice
Nice have won eight of their last 10 league encounters against Paris SG (one draw and one defeat).
PSG have won just 39% of their home games against Nice in the top flight (10 out of 26).
PSG have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven league encounters against Nice.
All of the last seven league meetings between Nice and Paris SG have produced a win by a one-goal differential.
Nene scored in his two league appearances against Nice last season.
Nice have lost their last two matches in Ligue 1.
Paris SG have kept a clean sheet in their last three league fixtures, only Brest are currently on a longer run.


Rennes - Toulouse
Toulouse have failed to win their last 14 trips to Rennes in Ligue 1, losing nine times and drawing on five occasions.
Rennes have 15 points, they best-ever tally at this stage since the three-point rule was introduced (1994/95).
Alongside Lille, Rennes are the only remaining unbeaten team in the league this term.
Rennes have conceded the fewest goals this term in Ligue 1 (three).
Toulouse have lost just one of their last nine league games, it was against current leaders St Etienne (five wins and three draws).
Rennes are the only Ligue 1 team who have yet to trail in a game this season.
Daniel Braaten is the only Toulouse player who has scored before the half-time break this season.
None of the last 54 games involving Toulouse in Ligue 1 has seen over two goals scored in the first half.