Thursday, October 14, 2010

| by

0

15-10-2010 20:30 Koln - Borussia D.

Koeln Look To End Winless Streak
This year, Koeln have bucked the Bundesliga’s trend of playing attacking football by focusing primarily on a defensive set-up. As of yet, their strategy has yet to work: having conceded 13 goals and scored just seven, die Geissboecke have slipped into the relegation zone. Though they have not played poorly, Zvonimir Soldo’s men are winless in their last four matches, and will enter Friday’s match hungry for points.

Koeln faced a similar situation a year ago. In the fall of 2009, they barely reached ten goals by mid-season, and weren’t successful enough in defence to avoid a position near the bottom of the table. In spite of the historical precedent, Soldo has insisted that his side are on the right track, and will avoid relegation.

Dortmund may prove to be Koeln’s toughest opponents to date, but in a stadium packed with home fans, the Rhine club will be keen to return to winning ways. Ahead of the match, midfielder Christian Clemens issued a rallying call.

“We must go beyond our borders – then we can stand up to (Dortmund),” he told the official Koeln website.

Three points would be a major ask for Koeln, but the big stage always is cause for surprise.

Critical Stretch Awaits Dortmund

Since their opening day hiccup against Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund have won six consecutive Bundesliga matches on the trot, and in doing so, have advanced to second place in the table. Just three points behind league leaders Mainz, the Ruhr side could go top of the table on Friday, if only for a matter of hours.

On the whole, the season’s start has been majestic for Juergen Klopp’s side. Mainz may lead the league, but Dortmund have equalled their rivals in goals scored, and have conceded fewer than any team in the Bundesliga. Their attractive style and impressive depth has led many to believe that BvB are indeed the league’s best team this year, and are top contenders to claim the Bundesliga title in May.

The next 24 days will be critical for Dortmund, who play seven times during this period, five of which will be on the road. The first test for die Schwarzgelben will be away to Koeln at the notoriously intimidating Rheineneriestadion. Their opponents may be struggling, but BvB have vowed not to underestimate their hosts.

“Koeln have more depth and quality than their position in the table suggests,” sporting director Michael Zorc told the official Dortmund website. “Some seem to take it for granted that we will go there and take three points from Koeln. I don’t like this.”

Zorc may be modest, but should they find the form exhibited before the international break, Dortmund will have absolutely no trouble earning three points and, at least for a short time, top the table.

TEAM NEWS

Koeln

Kevin McKenna, Christopher Schorch, Sebastian Freis, and Manasseh Ishiaku have all been ruled out of Friday’s clash with various injuries. Additionally, Soldo is expected to make a change in his line-up, with youngster Miro Varvodic replacing Faryd Mondragon in goal.

Probable Starting XI: Varvodic – Brecko, Geromel, Mohamad, Ehret – Clemens, Lanig, Petit, Matuschyk, Jajalo – Podolski

Borussia Dortmund

Mario Goetze is expected to return to action on Friday, but will likely start on the bench. Dede has not been officially omitted from Klopp’s squad, although the defender is still far from fit enough to start at left-back. Patrick Owomoyela, Tamas Hajnal, Sebastian Kehl, Mohamed Zidan, and Florian Kringe have been excluded from the match squad.

Probable Starting XI: Weidenfeller – Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer – Bender, Sahin – Blaszczykowski, Kaawa, Grosskreutz – Barrios


Prediction
It’s never an easy thing visiting Koeln, and Dortmund will find stiff opposition. However, being arguably the most in-form German team before the recent international break, this one should go to BvB. They have too much quality, and more than enough depth in case their attackers aren’t firing on all cylinders.

FC Köln 1-2 Borussia

Nenad Džodić (Monpelje, Francuska 1)

Pred start šampionata rekao sam da mislim da je Kaen najbolji i najstabilniji među klubovima koji su stigli iz Druge lige. Rezultatima me nije demantovao, bio je odličan pre dve nedelje na meču sa Bordoom, pa mislim da može do tri boda protiv Monaka, koji je četiri kola bez pobede, a u prethodna dva je doživeo poraze.
KAEN – MONAKO     1

Lion je kvalitetniji od Lila, ali nije u formi, tako da kec nije sigurica.
Lion – Lil     1

Lorienu će veštačka trava da bude velika prednost protiv odličnog Valansjena, a nas čeka mnogo težak zadatak na susretu sa Sošoom, ekipom koja ima najefikasniji napad u ligi. Olakšavajuća okolnost nam je to što igramo u najjačem sastavu, jer se vraćaju igrači koji su se oporavili od povreda ili su odradili suspenzije.
Lorien – Valansjen     12

Nebojša Miličić, trener u Realu

Majorka i dalje u Španiji važi za jednog od najnezgodnijih domaćina. Espanjol će biti na velikim iskušenjima, a ja verujem u pobedu domaćina na svom ostrvu.
MAJORKA – ESPANJOL     1

Malaga nema lošu ekipu, ali svakako nije tim koji može da preti Realu. Verujem u novi trijumf naše prve ekipe, pogotovo zbog Murinjove sposobnosti da izuzetno pripremi ekipu da bez većih problema slavi i na “malim” utakmicama.
MALAGA – REAL M.     2

Jedan od najboljih igrača Barselone, omaleni Ćavi, je povređen, pa će protiv Valensije, koja zauzima prvo mesto na tabeli, ekipa sa “Kamp Nou” stadiona teško do pobede.
Barselona – Valensija     1X

Bilbao bi mogao da savlada Saragosu, a na duelu Deportiva, koji je izuzetno loše započeo sezonu i Osasune, čiji fudbaleri teško dolaze do bodova na gostovanjima, ne bi trebalo da bude nerešenog rezultata.
Bilbao – Saragosa     1
Deportivo – Osasuna     12

Ivan Radovanović (Bolonja, Italija 1)

Milan ima veliki broj fenomenalnih fudbalera, pa, iako Kjevo ponovo igra odlično, velikan mora da slavi na ovoj utakmici.
MILAN – KJEVO     1

Iza Juventusa je nekoliko sušnih godina, pa je “stara dama” sa daleko većim ambicijama ušla u ovo prvenstvo. Meč protiv Lećea jednostavno mora da dobije.
JUVENTUS – LEĆE     1

Aleksandar Simić (Larisa, Grčka)

Panatinaikos je mnogo bolji od PAOK-a, koji je u velikoj krizi. Jedinica je na ovom meču sigurna.
PANATINAIKOS – PAOK     1

 Olimpijakos gostuje Ksantiju, koji je poznat kao “njegov” klub. I na ovoj utakmici ne bi trebalo da bude dileme. Dvojka je sigurna.
KSANTI – OLIMPIJAKOS     2

Panionios mora da juri bodove na utakmici sa Ergotelisom, a AEK ne bi smeo da izgubi na terenu Arisa.
Panionios – Ergotelis     1X
Aris – AEK     X2

Aleksandar Veselinović, trener u Rusiji

Zenit igra u fenomenalnoj formi. Cilj ekipe iz Sankt Peterburga je da prvenstvo završi na prvom mestu i to bez poraza, što nikome u Rusiji nikada nije uspelo. Na utakmici protiv Amkara pitanje pobednika se ni ne postavlja.
ZENIT – AMKAR     1

Jedinica na Spartak iz Moskve koji dočekuje Alaniju je drugi fiks ovog kola
SPARTAK M. - ALANIJA     1

Favoriti pred domaćim navijačima su i Rubin, na čijem terenu gostuje Rostov, kao i Dinamo, kojem u goste dolazi Anž
Rubin – Rostov     1
Dinamo M. – Anži     1

Krila Sovjetov i Sibir igraju derbi začelja tabele, a ja prednost dajem domaćinu.
K. Sovjetov – Sibir     1

Tomsk je iz Sibira, gde je podloga već zaleđena, pa će uslovi za igru na meču sa Saturnom biti veoma teški.
Tomsk – Saturn     1X

Lokomotiva se malo trgla, Spartak iz Nalčika gde god da igra deluje hrabro i odvažno, pa na ovom meču jedino ne bih igrao na nerešen rezultat.
Lokomotiva – Spartak N.     12

15.-17.10. 2010. Germany - Bundesliga preview

Köln v Dortmund

  • Cologne have only won one of their last 12 games against Dortmund (three draws, eight defeats).
  • BVB have won six of their last seven games against Cologne (one draw).
  • Dortmund are the team against which Cologne have failed to score the most often in the Bundesliga (21 times).
  • Cologne haven't lost any of their last 10 home games on Friday evenings (six wins, four draws), Dortmund have only lost one of their last 12 games on that day of the week (six wins, five draws).
  • Borussia have won their last six consecutive Bundesliga games and scored 18 goals in the process.
  • Borussia have conceded the fewest goals in the league (five). In their last six Bundesliga games BVB have not conceded more than one goal.



Mainz v Hamburg
  • Mainz celebrated their first ever Bundesliga win against Hamburg in August 2004 (2-1 home win).
  • Mainz haven't lost any of their last four games against HSV (one win, three draws).
  • Mainz have won all seven of their games this season, if they win this game it would be a new Bundesliga record.
  • Mainz haven't lost any of their last 12 Bundesliga games (nine wins, three draws) - the longest current run of all teams.
  • Hamburg have scored in their last 10 Bundesliga games, the last time they didn't score they lost 0-1 against Mainz on matchday 31 of last season.
  • Hamburg have conceded at least one goal in 11 of their last 12 Bundesliga matches.


Bayern v Hannover
  • Hannover have lost 18 of their 21 matches at Munich (two draws). Their only away victory at FCB dates back to November 8, 2006 (1-0).
  • H96 have won only one of their last seven Bundesliga matches against Bayern (six losses) - a home match on September 27, 2008 (1-0).
  • Bayern Munich have already lost three of their first seven league matches - they only lost four overall last season.
  • Bayern have only won two of their seven league games this season and have failed to score in four of seven matches.
  • Hannover have won six of their last nine league fixtures (one draw, two losses).
  • Hannover have only kept one clean sheet in seven games this season.



Schalke v Stuttgart

  • Nine of the last 12 duels between these sides has won by the home team (two away wins, one draw).
  • Schalke have won 10 of their last 12 home games against Stuttgart (one draw, one loss).
  • Last season Schalke won both games against Stuttgart 2-1.
  • With one win and one draw after seven matchdays - Schalke haven't started a season so badly for 17 years.
  • Stuttgart have only once before started a Bundesliga season with one win and six losses (1974/75).
  • Schalke are yet to win at home this season (two defeats, one draw). Their last win at home was on the 17th of April 2010 (3-1 against Gladbach).



St. Pauli v Nürnberg

  • St. Pauli have only won one of their eight Bundesliga duels against Nürnberg (two draws, five defeats).
  • St. Pauli haven't won any of their four home games in the Bundesliga against Nürnberg (one draw, three defeats) and they haven't scored in three of those four games.
  • St. Pauli haven't won any of their last seven Bundesliga home games (two draws, five losses).
  • Nürnberg haven't won any of their last seven away games in the Bundesliga, drawing three of the last four.
  • St. Pauli have won only one of their 10 points this season at home.
  • Nürnberg haven't scored more than one goal in an away game this season and haven't scored in their last two away games.



Bremen v Freiburg

  • Freiburg have won only five of their 22 Bundesliga matches against Bremen (15 defeats, 2 draws).
  • It has been more than nine years since Freburg's last win against Werder (27th of July 2001, 3-0 H).
  • The last four meetings of the two sides have been won by Bremen with a margin of at least three goals, all four games added together make it 20-1 goals for Bremen.
  • Freiburg have scored in 11 Bundesliga matches - the longest current run (together with Hoffenheim).
  • In five of Bremen's seven matches there have been at least four goals scored.
  • All four of Freiburg's wins this season have been by a margin of just one goal.


Wolfsburg v Leverkusen

  • Leverkusen have defeated Wolfsburg 13 times in the Bundesliga. The Wolves, on the other hand, have claimed only nine victories (4 draws) - all of them at home.
  • Not a single clash between these two clubs has resulted in a goalless draw: the 26 BL matches played thus far have yielded an average of 3.08 goals per game.
  • In each of the last five encounters the respective home side has scored precisely two goals.
  • VfL have managed to win just one of their last six matches against Leverkusen - a 2-1 victory on match day 28 of their championship winning campaign in 2008/09 (1 draw, 4 defeats).
  • The Wolves have netted at least once in each of their last 38 home matches.
  • As a BL head coach, Heynckes has faced VfL six times, losing only once (3 wins, 2 draws): a 3-0 away defeat with Schalke on match day four of the 2004/05 campaign.



Kaiserslautern v Frankfurt

  • Kaiserslautern have won 18 times against Frankfurt at home, losing just six times (14 draws).
  • Kaiserslautern have scored at least once in each of their last 15 BL games with Frankfurt.
  • Frankfurt have won just one of the last five BL games against Kaiserslautern - their last away game there (2005/06, 2-1).
  • Kaiserslautern have the worst form of all BL teams, with just one point from the last five BL games. Their last win was a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich - their only home win of the season.
  • Frankfurt have only failed to score once this season - 0-1 against Freiburg.
  • Frankfurt are one of five teams yet to draw this season. Their last draw was nine games ago - the longest run in the league.



Hoffenheim v Mönchengladbach

  • This game marks the fifth time that Hoffenheim and Mönchenladbach have met in the Bundesliga - Gladbach have not been able to win any of their last four league matches against Hoffenheim (two draws, two defeats).
  • This is Mönchengladbach's 43rd Bundesliga campaign, but never before have they conceded as many as 20 goals in their first seven games.
  • After having begun their season with three victories, Hoffenheim haven't won any of the last four matches (two draws, two defeats).
  • TSG Hoffenheim have scored at least one goal in all of their last 11 Bundesliga outings. They are tied with Freiburg for the longest such-run in the league.
  • Gladbach have won only one match this season (6-3 at Leverkusen) - they haven't won any of their last five Bundesliga fixtures (two draws, three defeats).
  • Mönchengladbach have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 11 league fixtures - which is the longest such run in Bundesliga.

16.-18.10. 2010. Premier League Preview

Arsenal v Birmingham City
  • Arsenal have led in all four of the matches against Birmingham with Alex McLeish in charge, but the Blues have come back to draw on three occasions.
  • Arsenal have followed all six previous defeats in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium with a victory in their next home match.
  • Birmingham have only won one of 10 Premier League matches with Arsenal and none of the five away from home.
  • The Gunners have scored 18 goals in their four matches at the Emirates this season.
  • Arsenal have only kept two clean sheets in their 10 matches in all competitions this season.
  • Birmingham have lost six and won none of their last eight Premier League away matches.




Aston Villa v Chelsea
  • Aston Villa have committed 118 fouls, more than any other team in the Premier League.
  • Villa have dropped eight points this season from winning positions, the joint-most in the Premier League.
  • 78% of the goals Villa have scored have been netted in the first half, a higher percentage than any other team.
  • Aston Villa have lost only one of their last 12 Premier League matches at Villa Park.
  • Aston Villa have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League home games against Chelsea.
  • Frank Lampard has scored nine Premier League goals against Aston Villa, more than against any other team.




Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City
  • Stoke have recouped seven points from losing positions this season, more than any other team.
  • 89% of the goals Stoke have conceded have come before half-time.
  • Last season, Bolton were 0-1 down to Stoke going into the final six minutes of each match, but came away with four points from a win and a draw.
  • Stoke have only won one of the last eight league meetings with Bolton.
  • Bolton have drawn four of their last five Premier League matches at the Reebok, including the last three in a row.
  • Stoke are unbeaten in their last six games played in October in the Premier League; winning four and drawing two.




Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
  • Mark Hughes has drawn 14 of his last 18 matches as a Premier League manager.
  • Spurs have only won one of their nine Premier League away games against Fulham and none of the last eight.
  • Fulham have failed to score in the last three Premier League games against Spurs.
  • Five of the last eight matches between Spurs and Fulham have ended as draws, three of them goalless.
  • Fulham have failed to score in four of their last five matches against Spurs in all competitions.
  • Tottenham have conceded exactly one goal in each of their last six Premier League matches.





Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion
  • West Brom have lost 49 Premier League away matches.
  • Dimitar Berbatov scored in each of his two Premier League appearances against West Brom.
  • Man Utd have won 11 and lost none of the last 12 league meetings with West Brom.
  • United have won 16 and drawn none of their last 18 Premier League matches at Old Trafford.
  • Man Utd have scored in 14 consecutive Premier League matches at Old Trafford and only in two of those games did they fail to score at least three times.
  • Prior to their victory over Arsenal last month, West Brom had won none and lost 16 of their 18 matches against the "Big Four" in Premier League history.





Newcastle United v Wigan Athletic
  • All of Wigan's goals have been netted in the second half; they are the only team without a first half goal this season.
  • Wigan are also the only team in the Premier League yet to concede a goal away from home this season.
  • No team has conceded more penalties in the Premier League this season than Newcastle (3).
  • Ryan Taylor has scored in each of his last four appearances in Wigan versus Newcastle games, but all as a Wigan player.
  • There have been four red cards and four penalties in the eight Premier League matches between Wigan and Newcastle.
  • The Magpies have only won two of their last 13 Premier League home games and have lost three of the last four.
  • Wigan have only won one of their last 10 Premier League away matches.






Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United
  • Wolves have dropped eight points this season from winning positions, the joint-most in the Premier League.
  • Four of the five goals West Ham have scored have come from set pieces.
  • West Ham have won none of their last 21 Premier League away matches.
  • Wolves have won none of the last six and lost their last four Premier League matches in a row.
  • Mick McCarthy's side have picked up the most cards this season, 20 yellows and two reds.
  • Avoiding defeat would see West ham record their longest unbeaten run since April 2009 of four games without a loss.





Blackpool v Manchester City
  • The Tangerines have allowed 52 shots on target against them, more than any other team in the top flight.
  • Blackpool and City are the only teams in the top flight yet to score a headed goal.
  • Five of Charlie Adam's last six goals for Blackpool in all competitions have come from the penalty spot.
  • Carlos Tevez has scored 26 goals in his last 30 Premier League outings.
  • Man City have only ever won 12 out of 69 Premier League north west derbies away from home.
  • Blackpool have conceded more goals (15) than any other team, while only Chelsea have conceded fewer than Man City (3).



Everton v Liverpool
  • There have been more red cards in matches between Everton and Liverpool in the Premier League than in any other fixture (19).
  • Everton have picked up only six yellow cards this season, fewer than any other team.
  • Fernando Torres has scored three goals in three Premier League games against Everton.
  • Liverpool have won five and lost none of the last seven Premier League meetings against Everton.
  • Liverpool have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches, while Everton have won just two of their last nine.
  • Defeat last time at Goodison Park ended a run of 14 Premier League games without a loss on home soil for Everton.
  • The Reds have won just one of their last 12 Premier League away matches and just two of their last 15 since beating Everton in February.





Blackburn Rovers v Sunderland
  • Seven of the last 10 meetings in all competitions have been won by a one-goal margin and the other three were draws.
  • Sunderland have only won two of the last 10 Premier League meetings with Blackburn.
  • Sunderland have only won two of their last 32 Premier League away games.
  • Blackburn have only lost five of their 33 Premier League home games under Sam Allardyce.
  • Sunderland have only kept one clean sheet in their last 21 Premier League away matches.
  • The Black Cats have won more penalties than any other team so far (3) and converted them all.

16.-17. 10. 2010. Championship Preview

Cardiff v Bristol City
  • Bristol City were defeated 6-0 in their last meeting with Cardiff City in January.
  • The sides met four times last season in all competitions, with the Bluebirds winning three and drawing one, an FA Cup third round tie at Ashton Gate.
  • Michael Chopra scored four goals in four meetings with Bristol City last season (three league, one FA Cup).
  • Cardiff are unbeaten at home in the Championship this season; conceding only two goals in the process.
  • Bristol City have collected only one point from their last five league games.




Scunthorpe v Doncaster
  • The last three matches between these two sides have seen an average of five goals per game.
  • Scunthorpe have won just once in their last eight meetings with Doncaster Rovers.
  • Neither Scunthorpe nor Doncaster have won any of their last four league games, both collecting only two points in the process.
  • Scunthorpe have netted just one goal in their last 289 minutes of league action at home.



Barnsley v Nottingham Forest
  • Only one of the last nine games between these two has ended in an away win.
  • The Tykes have lost just one of their last nine league games at home against Forest.
  • Barnsley have not won in four league games, scoring only two goals in the process.
  • Billy Davies' side are unbeaten in nine league games, although seven of those have ended in a draw (six 1-1).
  • Barnsley have conceded a league-high six goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season.
  • Only one of the nine goals conceded by Forest in the Championship this term has come in the second half.




Crystal Palace v Millwall
  • Three of the last four meetings between these two sides have ended 1-1.
  • There has been a goal in the 89th minute or later in three of the last four clashes between the two sides.
  • Palace have failed to score in five of their last seven league games.
  • Millwall have not won in six league games, collecting four points in the process.



Derby v Preston
  • The last meeting between these two sides ended 5-3 in favour of Derby in February.
  • Four of the last six meetings between these sides in Derby have ended in a draw.
  • Derby have won their last two home games in the Championship; scoring eight goals in the process.
  • Preston have netted 11 goals in their last three league games away from Deepdale.
  • Derby County are the only side yet to score in the final 15 minutes of a match in the Championship this term.




Ipswich v Coventry
  • Each of the last eight meetings between Ipswich and Coventry has seen at least three goals scored.
  • Five of the last six meetings between these two sides have ended in a home win, with the other a draw.
  • Coventry last won away at Portman Road in April 1994, losing on their last four trips and failing to win in 11 in all competitions.
  • Ipswich have won three of their last four league games at Portman Road.
  • Only one of Ipswich's 13 league goals has come in the first half so far this season.




Leicester v Hull
  • Hull have won their last two meetings against Leicester with Caleb Folan scoring in both.
  • The Foxes have lost three of their last four home games against Hull City.
  • Leicester have scored more goals in their last two league games (6) than in their previous seven put together (5).
  • Hull City have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five matches in the league.



Portsmouth v Watford
  • Portsmouth have won just twice in their last 11 games against the Hornets.
  • Just two of the last 14 games between Watford and Portsmouth have seen fewer than three goals scored.
  • Watford have won four of their last five league games.
  • Portsmouth are unbeaten in their last three league matches, scoring 11 goals in these games, as many as in the previous 15 combined.
  • No side has won more away points in the league this season than Watford (13).
  • The Hornets have scored a league-high six goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches this season.



QPR v Norwich
  • Four of the last five games between QPR and the Canaries have ended 1-0.
  • Martin Rowlands has scored each of the Hoops' last four goals against Norwich: a run going back to the start of the 2006/07 season.
  • QPR have not conceded a goal in any of their five home games in the Championship this season.
  • Norwich have lost once in five away games in the Championship so far this term.
  • QPR have already scored six penalties in the Championship this season; no other side has scored more than two.
  • No side has won more points after falling behind than Norwich (7) this season.



Reading v Swansea
  • Brendan Rodgers will be facing a former club for the third time in his managerial career; in the other two he has secured one win and a draw.
  • Both meetings between Reading and Swansea last season ended in a draw.
  • Swansea have won just once in their last 11 league games against Reading.
  • Reading have kept a clean sheet in their last three league games at home, winning each time.
  • The Swans have lost four of their five league games away from home this term.
  • Reading have scored a league-high six goals in the final five minutes of matches this season.



Sheffield United v Burnley
  • This will be the two sides' first meeting with one another since Burnley beat United 1-0 in the 2009 Championship play-off final.
  • Burnley have won their last three games against the Blades.
  • Sheffield United have scored only four goals in their last nine league games; failing to find the net in five of these matches.
  • Burnley have drawn three of their last four league matches.
  • Burnley have scored nine headed goals this season; four more than any other side in the Championship.



Middlesbrough v Leeds United
  • The away team has won the last three encounters between Leeds and Middlesbrough, scoring three goals each time.
  • There have been three red cards in the last four meetings between these two sides.
  • Middlesbrough have not won any of their last eight home games against Leeds.
  • Gordon Strachan's side have dropped only two points in their last four home games in the Championship.
  • Leeds have won only one of their last five league matches.
  • Leeds have conceded a league-high five goals in the opening 15 minutes of games so far this term.

16.-17.10. 2010. Scottish Premier League Preview

Aberdeen v Hearts
  • Hearts haven't beaten any other side more times than Aberdeen in the SPL (22).
  • Darren Mackie has scored in four of his last six games against Hearts in all competitions.
  • None of the last four league games between these sides has seen a home win.
  • The last seven league clashes between the sides at Pittodrie have produced only eight goals.
  • No player has assisted more goals in the SPL this season than Suso Santana.
  • Hearts have won three of their last four away games.
  • The Dons have lost four of their last five league games at Pittodrie.




Hibernian v Kilmarnock
  • Hibs have won four of their last five matches at home to Kilmarnock in the SPL.
  • Hibernian won both matches at home to Killie last season 1-0 thanks to a goal in the final 15 minutes.
  • The Hibees have not won any of their last seven matches at home in the SPL, their longest such run since February 2002.
  • Killie have lost only one of their last four league games on the road.
  • Conor Sammon has scored in each of his last three league appearances.




Inverness Caledonian Thistle v St Johnstone
  • This will be the first meeting between these two sides in the Scottish top flight.
  • Caley Thistle have won four of their last five games against the Saints in all competitions.
  • Inverness have not won three consecutive league matches since December 2007.
  • Only Celtic (7) have scored more goals from set pieces this season than Inverness (5).
  • However no side has conceded fewer goals from dead ball routines than the Saints (1).




Rangers v Motherwell
  • Three of the four league meetings between the sides last season ended in a draw.
  • Rangers dropped more points against Motherwell last season than any other side in the SPL.
  • Kyle Lafferty has scored a brace in both of his appearances at Ibrox against Motherwell.
  • Rangers have lost just two of their last 55 league games at Ibrox.
  • The Steelmen have won three straight matches on the road in the SPL. They have never won four on the bounce.
  • No side has conceded fewer goals in open play this season than Motherwell (2).




St Mirren v Hamilton
  • The Saints have failed to score in their last six meetings with Hamilton.
  • The eight meetings between the sides in the SPL have produced just eight goals.
  • St Mirren have only scored more than once in one of their last 15 league matches.
  • Should they score in this match, the Accies will have found the net in six consecutive SPL matches for the first time in their history.
  • Five of Hamilton's six goals this season have come in the first half.

Dundee Utd v Celtic
  • Celtic have lost just two of their 42 SPL meetings with Dundee United, though both of these came at Tanndice.
  • It is 13 years and 23 matches in all competitions since the Bhoys last failed to score at Tanadice.
  • Neither Rangers nor Celtic have conceded a league goal after the 60th minute this season.
  • Celtic have won all 15 league matches under Neil Lennon.
  • The Bhoys have shipped just two goals in their six away matches with Neil Lennon as manager in the SPL.
  • The Tangerines have hit four goals in the opening 15 minutes of SPL matches this season (the most), while Celtic have conceded two of their three in this period.

16.-17. 10. 2010. Spain - Primera Division preview

Athletic Bilbao v Real Zaragoza
  • Athletic have won only one of their last six league meetings with Real Zaragoza, losing two and sharing the points three times.
  • Athletic are unbeaten at home in their last seven games with Zaragoza.
  • However, the last three meetings between these two sides at the San Mames were draws.
  • Zaragoza have scored only one goal in their last six visits to Athletic's ground in La Liga.
  • The Basque side have won only one of their last five league games, losing the last two against Barcelona and Valencia.
  • Real Zaragoza are winless in their last eight fixtures - four draws and as many defeats.
  • Away from home, Zaragoza have picked up only one point from their last three league fixtures, failing to score in the process.

Atletico Madrid v Getafe
  • Atletico Madrid have picked up only one point from their last three meetings with Getafe in La Liga, as result of a 1-1 draw in February 2009, before losing twice last season.
  • The balance at the Vicente Calderon between these two sides is perfectly even: two wins for each and two draws, with the guests having the better in the last meeting last May.
  • Atletico have scored one goal in each of their last four league games, enough for a win and a draw.
  • At home, the Colchoneros have alternated wins and defeats over their last five league games.
  • Getafe have won their last two games without conceding a single goal - the last time they won three in a row and kept three clean sheets in the process was between October and November 2007.
  • Atletico currently have the best goals to shots ratio in this competition (19.2%).



Barcelona v Valencia
  • Barcelona have drawn with Valencia 38 times in the top-flight, more than against any other opponent.
  • Barcelona are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Valencia in La Liga: four wins for the Blaugrana and two draws.
  • Valencia have failed to score in five of these fixtures, netting two at the Mestalla in April 2009.
  • The Blaugrana are on a run of three consecutive wins at home against Valencia, in which they have scored an average of 4.3 goals per game.
  • Barca have picked up only four points from their last three fixtures at home, scoring only two goals in the process.
  • The last time they had as many points after the first six match-days was in 2008-09 and in 2003-04 (when they won their last domestic title).
  • Valencia have not drawn in their last 10 league games away from home (six defetas and four wins).
  • Five of Valencia's 11 goals this season have been scored in the first 15 minutes of play.



Deportivo La Coruña v Osasuna
  • Deportivo have not scored more than a single goal in any of their last eight meetings with Osasuna in the league.
  • Osasuna have failed to score in four of their last five meetings with Deportivo.
  • Deportivo are still winless in this campaign, and are on a run of three consecutive defeats.
  • At home, the Galicians have won only one of their last nine games.
  • Osasuna have lost their last 11 games away from home in La Liga, failing to score on eight occasions.
  • Deportivo are yet to score a goal in the first half this season in La Liga.



Hercules v Villarreal
  • These two sides have met 13 times so far in all competitions: Hercules lead by nine wins to one, with three draws.
  • However, this will be their first meeting in La Liga; the last time they met was in the Copa del Rey in September 2002, and the team from Alicante won 2-1.
  • Hercules have a record of two defeats and a win at home in the top-flight - the win against Sevilla was their first on their home soil in La Liga.
  • After losing against Real Sociedad in the opening game of this campaign, Villarreal have notched up five consecutive wins, including the two away at Levante and Malaga.
  • Last season they had only three points after the first six match-days of La Liga, while two seasons ago the Yellow Submarine were joint-top on 16 points from the opening six fixtures.
  • Villarreal have been the most prolific side before half time so far in this campaign (10 goals scored).
  • Brazilian striker, Nilmar is currently La Liga's top-scorer with five goals.



Levante v Real Sociedad
  • This will be the fifth meeting between these two sides in La Liga: Levante lead by two wins to one, although Real Sociedad won their last meeeting, in March 2007.
  • Levante have won only one of their last 13 games in the top-flight, and have drawn their last two with Real Madrid and Osasuna.
  • Levante have not scored more than a single goal over their last six league fixtures.
  • Levante have picked up only two points from their last five La Liga games at home.
  • Last Saturday's win against Espanyol ended a run of three consecutive defeats for Real Sociedad in La Liga.
  • Away from home, Real Sociedad have picked up only one point in three fixtures this season (2-2 against Almeria).



Malaga v Real Madrid
  • Last May's 1-1 draw at La Rosaleda ended a run of 11 consecutive wins for Real Madrid against Malaga in La Liga.
  • However, Malaga's last win at home against the Merengues was in September 1983 (6-2); since then, Real have won six times, with as many draws.
  • Malaga have managed only two wins in their last 17 league games, both away from home.
  • Real Madrid are on a run of 13 consecutive unbeaten games - 10 wins and three draws; one of these draws was against Malaga last May (1-1).
  • Away from home, the Merengues have conceded more than one goal in only one league game in 2010 (a 4-2 win against Getafe).
  • However, they have been held to a draw in three of their last four league games on the road.
  • Both sides share the best attack of this competitions (12 goals scored so far).
  • Real Madrid are the only side yet to concede a goal in the first half in this competition.
  • Malaga have won only two of the five games in which have taken the lead this season, losing eight points from leading situations.
  • Real Madrid have a 100% record in the four games in which they have been ahead.



Mallorca v Espanyol
  • Mallorca are unbeaten agains Espanyol over the past two seasons (two wins and as many draws).
  • At home, Mallorca are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with the Catalans (eight wins and two draws).
  • The Balearic side have not conceded a goal in four of their last five league games at home.
  • Overall, Mallorca have kept four consecutive clean sheets at home in La Liga; the last time they managed a run of five consecutive clean sheets in the top-flight was between September and October 1989.
  • Espanyol have alternated away defeats and home wins over their last nine games in La Liga; their last draw came last April in the derby with Barcelona.
  • Four of the nine goals conceded by Espanyol this season have come in the last 15 minutes of play - a league-high.



Racing Santander v Almeria
  • There is perfect balance between Racing and Almeria in La Liga: both sides have won twice, with as many draws.
  • However, Almeria are unbeaten against Racing in the past two seasons, having beaten them twice at Sardinero, two draws complete the record.
  • Racing have picked up only one point from the last three match-days of this competition, winning only once this season.
  • A 2-0 win at the Riazor against Deportivo in their last away fixture ended a run of eight winless games for Almeria on the road.
  • Racing are yet to score a goal in the first half this season in La Liga, and have conceded the most in the first 15 minutes of play (four).
  • Overall, Racing have conceded eight goals in this campaign, seven of which were shipped before half-time.

Sporting Gijon v Sevilla
  • Sporting Gijon have won against Sevilla 25 times so far, more than against any other side in La Liga.
  • Sevilla have won four of their last five league meetings with Sporting Gijon.
  • However, the Andalucians never scored more than one goal in their last six visits to Sporting at the Molinon.
  • Sporting have won only one of their last 16 league games (vs Mallorca in September); eight defeats and seven draws complete the record.
  • Sevilla have not shared the points away from home in their last 23 league games (12 wins and 11 defeats, including against Hercules in their last game on the road).
  • Sevilla have gained six points from trailing situations this season, winning two of the three games in which they have been behind in so far.

16.-17.10. 2010. Italy - Serie A preview


Bari v Lazio
  • Bari had the better of Lazio in both fixtures last season by 2-0.
  • Prior to that, the Biancocelesti had won three times in a row against Bari in the league.
  • Last October's win was the first for Bari against Lazio at home after a run of 14 consecutive games without a victory (eight draws and six defeats).
  • Bari have managed only one win from their last five Serie A fixtures.
  • However, at home Ventura's side have won four of their last five games, drawing the other and conceding only one goal in the process.
  • Away from home, Lazio have won five of their last six league games between this season and last.
  • Six of the eight goals scored by Lazio in this campaign have come in the second half; the Biancocelesti are yet to score a goal in the first 30 minutes of play this season.



Brescia v Udinese
  • Udinese have won three of their last four Serie A meetings with Brescia, with the Rondinelle having the better in the other.
  • Brescia have picked up only one point from the last three occasions when they have hosted Udinese in the top-flight (1-1 in November 2002).
  • Brescia have not shared the points in their last 10 Serie A games; this season, the Rondinelle have won three, with as many defeats.
  • At home, Iachini's side have won five of their last six fixtures in the top-flight, beating Palermo and Roma in the 2010-11 campaign.
  • Away from home, Udinese have picked up only two points from their last five games in the league between this season and last.
  • Udinese have managed only one win in their last 23 games on the road in Serie A (2-0 at Livorno in April 2010).
  • Six of Brescia's seven goals this season have been scored during the first half.
  • Udinese have lost each of the four games in which they have been down so far this term.



Cagliari v Inter
  • Cagliari have managed only one win in their last 20 Serie A meetings with Inter (2-1 at home in May 2009).
  • The Sardinian side have already drawn four times 0-0 this season.
  • Cagliari have won only one of their last eight home fixtures, sharing the points in four of the last five.
  • Inter have failed to score in their last two league fixtures; the last time the Nerazzurri did not score for three consecutive times in Serie A was in the 1998/99 season.
  • Inter boast the best defence of this competition - only three goals conceded so far.
  • Cagliari have conceded three goals from corner situations this season - a league-high.



Catania v Napoli
  • Catania have failed to scored in nine of their last 12 league meetings with Napoli.
  • However, the Sicilians are unbeaten at home against Napoli in the top-flight, as a result of five wins and four draws.
  • The Partenopei have scored only two goals in total in their nine previous visits to Catania in Serie A.
  • Catania are still unbeaten at home in 2010 (nine wins and five draws); their last defeat at the Massimino came in December 2009 (0-1 vs Livorno).
  • Napoli have picked up seven of their 11 points this season away from home, as a result of wins against Cesena and Sampdoria and a draw in Florence.
  • Napoli boast the joint-best attack of the Serie A 2010-11 (12 goals alongside Juventus).
  • Napoli have already lost seven points from leading situations, as many as they have gained from trailing in this campaign.



Cesena v Parma
  • Parma have won both previous meetings with Cesena in the top-flight, without conceding a goal, back in 1990/91.
  • After picking up seven points from the first three match-days of this campaign, Cesena have lost the ensuing three scoring only one goal in the process.
  • Parma also started well, beating Brescia 2-0, but have picked up only two points from the ensuing five fixtures, failing to score in the last two.
  • Cesena have conceded seven goals over the first six match-days of this campaign - six of these goals have come after the break, and four in the last 15 minutes of play.
  • Cesena are the only Serie A side yet to score from a set-piece this season.
  • Parma have conceded five of their seven goals from the penalty spot.



Juventus v Lecce
  • The 2-2 draw between these two sides in May 2009 ended a run of five consecutive wins for Juventus against Lecce in the league.
  • Lecce have beaten Juventus in Turin only once in 13 previous Serie A meetings; nine wins for the hosts and three draws complete the record.
  • Del Neri's side have conceded an average of 2.75 goals in their last four games at home.
  • Lecce are unbeaten in their last three league fixtures (draws against Parma and Palermo and a win over Catania).
  • Away from home though, Lecce have collected only two points from their last 11 league games.
  • Juventus boast the joint-best attack of Serie A (12 goals, alongside Napoli).



AC Milan v Chievo
  • AC Milan have won their last seven consecutive games against Chievo in Serie A.
  • The Rossoneri are unbeaten against Chievo at the San Siro, in light of six wins (including those in the last two meetings) and two draws.
  • After scoring four goals in their opening game against Lecce, the Rossoneri have netted only four more in total over the ensuing five league games.
  • AC Milan are still unbeaten at home in 2010 (nine wins and five draws).
  • AC Milan have conceded only one goal in their last five games at home.
  • Chievo have failed to score in three of their last four match-days of this campaign.
  • Chievo have won three of their last four on the road, scoring two or more goals in each fixture.
  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic has netted five goals in seven games in all competitions for the Rossoneri, and is waiting for his fourth goal against Chievo in Serie A.



Palermo v Bologna
  • Bologna have won only one of their last seven meeting with Palermo in Serie A, three wins for the Rosanero and as many draws complete the record.
  • Palermo are unbeaten in their last 17 meetings at home against Bologna; Bologna's last win at Palermo was back in 1934.
  • Bologna have never scored more than a goal per game at Palermo in 20 previous Serie A games.
  • Palermo havefailed to win in their last four games at home (three draws and one defeat); the Rosanero's last win at the Barbera was last season (3-1 against AC Milan).
  • Bologna have won only one of their last nine games in Serie A - seven draws and a defeat complete the record.
  • Away from home, Bologna have drawn five of their last six league games.
  • Di Vaio has scored four goals in the last four match-days of this campaign; Bologna's captain has already netted three in total against Palermo in Serie A.



Roma v Genoa
  • The last five meetings between Roma and Genoa have been won by the home side.
  • Roma are unbeaten at home against Genoa since January 1990; since then, the Giallorossi have managed six wins and two draws against the Grifoni at the Olimpico, and have had the better in the last four.
  • Since three points have been awarded for the win (1994-95), this is the worst start to a Serie A season for Roma, still on five points after the first six match-days of this campaign.
  • Genoa have scored only two goals in their last five away games in Serie A, enough for a draw and a win.
  • Genoa have conceded only 20 corners this season - a league-low.
  • Genoa have attempted 12 headed shots on target so far, more than any other Serie A side this season.
  • Roma have conceded 11 goals in this competition - the worst defence so far this season.



Sampdoria v Fiorentina
  • Sampdoria's 2-0 win last February ended a run of three consecutive wins for Fiorentina against the Doriani in the league.
  • Sampdoria are on a run of three consecutive draws, and have shared the points in four of the last five match-days of Serie A.
  • The Blucerchiati have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five games at home in the league.
  • Fiorentina have managed only one win from their last 13 league fixtures between this and last season - five draws and seven defeats complete the record.
  • The Viola have picked up only two points from their last seven games on the road, scoring only one goal over the last four.
  • Fiorentina have conceded the most goals in the first half so far (six).
  • Sampdoria have already lost seven points from leading situations, a joint-high in Serie A.
  • Sampdoria have been caught off-side only seven times so far this season, a league-low.

16.-17. 10. 2010. France - Ligue 1 preview


Auxerre v Bordeaux
  • Auxerre won both league encounters against Bordeaux last term.
  • This match will be Jean Fernandez's 500th league appearance as a manager.
  • The last six Ligue 1 matches hosted at L'Abbe Deschamps stadium have all produced a draw.
  • Bordeaux have won just one of their last 12 away games in the top flight.
  • Bordeaux have kept a clean sheet in their last three league games, their longest run so far this calendar year.
  • 50% of the goals netted by Bordeaux this season in Ligue 1 have come after the 85th minute.
  • Wendel has scored three goals in his last three trips to Auxerre in Ligue 1.





Brest v Arles-Avignon
  • Brest have won their last three league matches, currently the longest run in Ligue 1.
  • Arles-Avignon have lost all of their matches this season in Ligue 1.
  • Brest have kept a clean sheet in their last five league matches, currently the longest shutout in Ligue 1.
  • Brest have conceded the joint-fewest goals (four), while Arles-Avignon have shipped the most (20).
  • The two encounters between both sides last season produced nine goals in total.
  • Games involving Brest have produced a league-low 11 goals this term.
  • Referee Tony Chapron has shown a total of three red cards in the two Ligue 1 games he has been in charge of this season.
  • Alex Dupont has lost just one of his 22 home games as a Ligue 1 manager.




Caen v Monaco
  • Caen are unbeaten in their last five competitive encounters against Monaco (two wins and three draws).
  • Monaco have opened the scoring in their last three league meetings against Caen but have failed to win these matches (two draws and one defeat).
  • Caen have failed to score in their last two home matches in the league.
  • Monaco have failed to win their last 13 away games in the top flight, currently the longest winless run on the road.
  • Monaco have received the most yellow cards this term (23).
  • Youssef El Arabi has scored or assisted 75% of Caen's goals this term.





Marseille v Nancy
  • Marseille have won 12 of their 15 home games in the league this calendar year.
  • Nancy are one of three teams who are still unbeaten away from home this season in Ligue 1, they have scored the joint-most goals on the road (six).
  • Marseille are the only side that have scored in every match day this term.
  • Nancy are one of two teams who have yet to keep a clean sheet this season in Ligue 1.
  • Marseille have won their last three league encounters against Nancy.
  • 90% of the goals conceded by Marseille this term have come in the second half of games.
  • Julien Feret has scored or assisted 56% of Nancy's goals this term in Ligue 1.
  • Nancy have found the net in their last four trips to Marseille in the league.





Montpellier v Sochaux
  • Sochaux have scored a league-high 16 goals this term, already 57% of their total last season (28).
  • Montpellier won both of their games against Sochaux last season in the league, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
  • Sochaux are one of two Ligue 1 teams that have lost all of their away games so far this season.
  • Sochaux have won just one of their last 17 away matches in the league.
  • Olivier Giroud has scored three goals in his last two Ligue 1 matches, including two from the penalty spot.
  • Games involving Sochaux have seen the most goals so far this season (25).





Nice v St Etienne
  • Nice are unbeaten in their last seven Ligue 1 matches against St Etienne, winning five and drawing two.
  • However St Etienne have won two League Cup games against Nice recently, scoring six goals in the process.
  • Nice have won just one of their last six home games in the league (four defeats and one draw).
  • St Etienne have won their last two away games in the top flight, the last time they won three in a row was in 1979/80.
  • Gonzalo Bergessio has netted three goals in three competitive appearances against Nice.
  • St Etienne are unbeaten in their last seven league fixtures, their longest run since May 2008.
  • A league-high 15 different Nice players have been booked this season.





Toulouse v Paris SG
  • Toulouse have failed to win their last four league games, losing two and drawing two.
  • PSG won 2-0 at Lens on their previous away game in the league, their first victory on the road this calendar year in the French championship.
  • Toulouse have won four of their last six league meetings against PSG.
  • Paris have lost in their last two trips to Toulouse in the league.
  • PSG have kept a clean sheet in their last 586 minutes of competitive football.
  • Apoula Edel is the only Ligue 1 goalkeeper who has yet to concede a goal this season.
  • PSG have drawn 0-0 more times this season in Ligue 1 (three) than during the whole of last season (two).
  • Nene has found the net in his last three away appearances in all competitions.




Lens v Rennes
  • Lens have failed to win their last six Ligue 1 games, only Arles-Avignon are currently on a worse run.
  • Rennes are unbeaten in their last nine competitive matches against Lens, winning five and drawing four.
  • Lens have lost their four Ligue 1 games against sides currently ranked in the top half of the table this term.
  • Rennes have won three of their four away matches this season in Ligue 1, drawing the other.
  • Victor Montano scored in his last two trips to the Felix-Bollaert stadium in the league; his three goals this season have all come on the road.
  • Lens have conceded a joint league-high 10 goals at home this term, they are one of four sides who have yet to register a home win.
  • A total of three red cards were shown in the two league meetings between Lens and Rennes last season.




Lorient v Valenciennes
  • Valenciennes have failed to win their last 10 away games in the top flight, four defeats and six draws.
  • Lorient are unbeaten in their last three league encounters against Valenciennes, winning one and drawing two.
  • Valenciennes have not kept a clean sheet in the league match day one this season.
  • Valenciennes have failed to win their five games against teams from the bottom half of the table this season: four draws and one defeat.
  • Lynel Kitambala has netted three goals in his four competitive appearances at the Moustoir stadium this season.





Lyon v Lille
  • Lille are unbeaten in their last five competitive matches against Lyon, winning three and drawing two.
  • Lyon have won just one of their four home games this season in Ligue 1 (1-0 v Brest).
  • Lille are still unbeaten after eight match days, the last time they managed to remain undefeated in the opening eight games was in 2001/02.
  • Five of the six Lille away games this season in all competitions have produced a draw.
  • Lyon have never conceded more than one goal in a home match in Ligue 1 this calendar year.
  • A league-high 91% of Lille's goals have come from strikers this season.
  • Gervinho has netted four goals in his last three Ligue 1 starts.
  • Jimmy Briand has either scored or assisted 71% of Lyon goals this season in the league.
  • Pierre-Alain Frau has scored in his last two appearances against his former club Lyon.