29.05. (Sun) 21:00 Monaco - Olympique Lyonnais

DID YOU KNOW?

If Monaco lose, they will certainly suffer their fourth relegation from France’s top flight. A draw could be enough to keep them up if results elsewhere go their way, but victory would assure them a place at the top table.
Les Monegasques are unbeaten at home against teams in the top seven slots in the standings.
Their record at the Stade Louis II is rated on 16th in the league, with only five victories from 18 matches this season.
The first goal will be vital; Monaco have not lost after scoring first at home this term, but they’ve equally not come from behind to win.
Should relegation become a reality, it would be a sad way to mark the club’s 2000th top flight game.
Lyon know that victory would secure them third, while a draw would also likely be good enough.
Away from the Stade Gerland, OL’s form is poor, with no wins in their last five – their worst such run since 2007-08.
In the second half of games, Puel’s side have been especially vulnerable, conceding 70 per cent of their goals after the interval.
Les Gones, however, are unbeaten in seven Championnat matches against their hosts.
The last time Lyon finished outside the top three in France was 1998-99.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Monaco (4-2-3-1)
Chabbert; Bonnat, Puygrenier, Hansson, Adriano; Gosso, Nkoulou; Moukandjo, Coutadeur, Malonga; Park

Selection problems plague the home side at the worst possible time. Stephane Ruffier has been unable to overcome the problem he picked up last weekend, while Mahamadou Diarra is omitted from the squad. Promising Nigerian midfielder Lukman Haruna is banned.

There are several long-term problems, including Djimi Traore and Moussa Maazou, while a number of short-term issues exist, the most punishing of which in regards to this weekend’s match is Vincent Muratori.

Lyon (4-3-3)
Lloris, Reveillere, Cris, Diakhate, Cissokho; Pjanic, Toulalan, Kallstrom; Delgado, Lisandro, Ederson

Claude Puel has a number of selection headaches approaching this encounter, with Dejan Lovren still banned from the heart of his defence and Yoann Gourcuff looking extremely likely to be missing from the heart of the midfield once more. Striker Bafetimbi Gomis is also sidelined.

Though OL could not do better than a 0-0 draw against Caen last weekend, a similar line-up is expected.

Prediction

Though Monaco start this match in the relegation zone, it would be little surprise to see defensively-minded coach Laurent Banide adopt a wait-and-see approach early on, patient for developments elsewhere. Solid at the back, the hosts will be difficult to breakdown, and given Lyon’s wretched away form, it’s tough to predict an away win. This game will likely end squad, but Monaco will gain safety and Lyon will earn third, keeping everyone happy.

AS Monaco FC 1-1 O. Lyon

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29.05. (Sun) 20:00 Germany - Uruguay

DID YOU KNOW?

Germany will play their first ever international at the Rhein-Neckar Arena in Sinsheim, which is normally home to Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim, whose village is too small to house such a stadium.

Coach Joachim Low has called up Borussia Monchengladbach's Marco Reus for the first time and, should the in-form attacker shake off injury, he could make his debut off the bench.

Miroslav Klose has 61 international goals, seven behind Gerd Mueller's record. Should he appear, the Bayern man will break Jurgen Klinsmann's record of 108 international caps.

Die Mannschaft have a perfect record in Euro 2012 qualifying, having won all five of their matches in a group containing Turkey, Belgium, Austria, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Although this will be their third friendly against the South Americans, they have only met each other once in a competitive fixture - in last summer's World Cup.

Uruguay finished in fourth place at the World Cup after passing France, Mexico and South Africa in Group A, and then South Korea and Ghana in the knockout stages.

Their semi-final berth represented their best performance in a World Cup finals tournament since 1970, when they also made the last four.

Uruguay's total population of 3.4 million is around the same as that of Germany's capital Berlin alone.

They have lost on each of the three occasions they have met a unified German team, scoring just three goals in reply to Germany's 12.

Their record is little better against both West and East Germany, winning just one of 12 encounters, that back in January 1985 when they defeated East Germany 3-0 in Montevideo.

LAST MEETING

July 10, 2010: Uruguay 2-3 Germany

Thomas Muller gave the favourites the lead after 19 minutes before the surprise package of the World Cup hit back with goals from Edinson Cavani before the half-hour and Diego Forlan on 51 minutes, capping a superb tournament for the Atletico Madrid hitman. However, Joachim Low's men secured a deserved third spot thanks to Marcell Jansen's equaliser on 56 minutes and Sami Khedira's winner eight minutes from the end of normal time.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Germany: 
Neuer; Lahm, Friedrich, Hummels, Schmelzer; Trasch, Rolfes; Schurrle, Ozil, Podolski; Klose

Uruguay: 
Muslera; Maxi Pereira, Diego Lugano, Godin, Caceres; Perez, Arevalo Rios, Alvaro Pereira; Forlan; Suarez, Cavani

Prediction
Germany 3-1 Uruguay  

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29.05. (Sun) 19:30 Ireland - Scotland

DID YOU KNOW?

Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane only needs two more goals in order to reach a half-century in international football.

The Irish only require a point in order to claim the first Home Nations Cup, as they have a better goal advantage at the top of the table.

Trapattoni’s side maintained their 100% record at the top of the Home Nations Cup with a five-goal demolition of Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

If Scotland can achieve victory over Ireland then they will claim their first trophy since they won the Kirin Cup in Japan in May 2006, when they defeated Bulgaria and drew with Japan.

James Morrison , along with Christophe Berra both claimed their first international goals against Wales, with the West Brom midfielder doing so on his 25th birthday.

A victory for the Scots will see them take the lead in the head-to-head between the nations, with both sides having claimed victory three times in eight meetings.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Republic of Ireland (4-4-2)
Given; McShane, Delaney, O’Dea, Ward; Coleman, Whelan, Fahey, Hunt; Keane, Cox.

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni can welcome back Celtic defender Darren O’Dea, as well as midfield duo Keith Fahey and Glenn Whelan as they look to secure the Home Nations Cup with a victory.

The Italian will be without the services of Preston North End defender Sean St Ledger who has been unable to overcome a knee problem to be fit in time for the game against the Scots.

Scotland (4-5-1)
McGregor; Whittaker, Wilson, Berra, Bardsley; Naismith, Brown, Adam, Morrison, McCormack; Miller.

Craig Levein will be without full back Stephen Crainey, after the Blackpool defender left the camp in order to undergo a knee operation for a long-standing injury.

Defender Gary Caldwell is a major doubt for the Scots with a hip injury, while James Morrison and Charlie Adam are suffering from knocks and may be game-time decisions for the Scotland manager.

Phil Bardsley will take over from Crainey at the left back position, while youngsters Grant Hanley and Danny Wilson will be competing for Caldwell’s slot.

Prediction

Both sides come into the final fixture with a 100% record and as such the game will be extremely close as they edge closer towards the Home Nations Cup.

With the Irish having home advantage and being buoyed by the resounding victory over Northern Ireland they will be able to claim the point to win the title.

Ireland 1-1 Scotland

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Predlozi za vikend 28.-30. Maj 2011.

Champions League, finale (Vembli) : Barcelona - Manchester U 
Pre dve godine M. Junajted je nadigran i skoro uništen od strane Barselone na Olimpijskom stadionu u Rimu. Izvesni K. Ronaldo je tada igrao za Junajted a Junajted je tada verovatno bio jači nego danas. Dobro, Eto je igrao i postigao je gol za Barselonu a on je sada naravno igrač Intera.
Da li se nešto u suštini promenilo od tog finala u Rimu? Ne, Barselona je tada imala veliki posed lopte a Junajted ni ovoga puta neće moći da se nosi sa Barselonom po pitanju poseda lopte.
Ser Aleks će morati da se posluži nečim drugim ovoga puta. Mislim da će on morati da spreči kreativne igrače Barselone od suvišnog dodavanja lopte i onda će napasti preko krila svaki put kada im se bude ukazala prilika za to. Bez sumnje Junajted ima neke sjajne igrače po krilu kao što su Valensija, Nani, Park, i Gigs a u šesnaestercu je uvek Runi. Za Junajted će biti bolje ako Runi ne bude provodio previše vremena na sredini terena.
Barselona ne sme da povede na meču jer će onda sve biti gotovo za Junajted no dok god bude bilo 0-0 ili ako Junajted bude vodio onda oni mogu da se koncentrišu na to da spreče Barselonu da igra svoju igru kao što je to uradio Inter prošle sezone.
Barselona je definitivno bolja ove sezone nego prošle no ja imam neke sumnje u to koliko su oni trenutno spremni jer su oni prethodnih nedelja stalno igrali u izmenjenom sastavu.
Slažem se sa nekadašnjim sjajnim napadačem Linekerom - Barsa bi morala da igra jako loše kako bi izgubila na ovom meču.

Coppa Italia, finale (Olimpijski stadion, Rim) : Inter - Palermo 
Stvari deluju dobro po Inter pred ovo finale jer će i Snajder i njihov prvi golman, Ž. Cezar, biti na raspolaganju. Samo je Kambijaso povređen.
Za Palermo neće igrati suspendovani Bovo i Bačinović. Bovo bi inače bio u odbrani u startnoj postavi Palerma ali bi Bačinović bio na klupi.
Akua, igrač sredine terena, će možda propustititi ovo finale a u tom slučaju bi ga iskusni Liverani zamenio.
Palermo je izbacio Milan posle dva meča polufinala (2-2 i 2-1) tako da su oni bez sumnje zaslužili da igraju u ovom finalu. Oni su bili bolji u ta dva meča no kao što sam rekao pred revanš meč u Palermu nisam ni očekivao da će Milan biti toliko željan uspeha u kupu kao Palermo.
Svi znamo da je Inter odlična ekipa, oni imaju sjajan skor protiv Palerma, a imaju i lepu naviku da osvajaju Italijanski kup. Pastore i njegove kolege iz ekipe Palerma ne bi trebalo potceniti a da bih se kladio na favorite na ovom meču kvota bi morala da bude nešto veća za pobedu Intera. Verovatno će biti 3+.

Championship, plej-of, finale : Reading - Swansea
Moj izbor će biti pobeda Redinga no nisam najsigurniji u to. Izabrao sam Reding jer mi oni deluju kao čvršća ekipa što je važan kvalitet pred ovaj jako bitan meč koji će se igrati na Vembliju.
Ne kažem da je Svonzi delovao slabo protiv Notingema u prethodnj rundi plej-ofa već su oni u Čempionšipu izgubili nekoliko mečeva od inferiornijih ekipa koja se bile spremne da se potrude.
Svonzi je imao sreće u revanš meču protiv Notingema jer je Notingem nekoliko puta u drugom poluvremenu pogađao okvir gola.
Reding je bez problema pobedio Kardif sa 3-0 u Velsu a ja sam bio impresioniran njihovom igrom. Š. Long, a ko bi drugi?, je postigao dva gola za njih.
Kebe i Robson-Kanu su trebali da se vrate u postavu Redinga za meč protiv Kardifa ali nijedan od ova dva ofanzivna igrača nije igrao. Pretpostavljam da će oni biti spremni za ovaj meč.
Za Svonzi ponovo neće igrati suspendovani odbrambeni igrač N. Tejlor.
Opredeliću se za Reding.

French League : Caen - Marseille
Moje je čvrsto mišljenje da će Kaen pobediti na ovom meču. Kaenu su verovatno potrebna sva tri boda kako bi opstali u ligi a pošto su trenutno u sjajnoj formi zašto onda oni ne bi pobedili ovu ekipu Marseja koja neće biti 100% motivisana?
Kaen je bez poraza na prethodnih šest mečeva uključujući i nezgodna gostovanja Renu i Lionu. U postavu se za ovaj meč posle suspenzije vraća Sorbon.
Marsej će biti na drugom mestu u prvenstvu i oni su se kvalifikovali za Ligu šampiona. Ne znam kakvu će postavu izvesti trener Dešamp ali znam da Žinjaka definitivno neće biti u sastavu. Ovaj meč nije ono oko čega brinu u ekipi Marseja? Ne, da li će Dešamp ostati ili otići u Romu ili Čelzi, to je njihova velika briga.
Kladiću se na Kaen.
...
Izgleda da su Lion i PSŽ u poslednje vreme učinili sve kako ne bi bili na trećem mestu na tabeli. Ove dve ekipe imaju samo po jednu pobedu na prethodnih pet mečeva a Lion ima dva boda više od PSŽ-a.
Lion ima jako teško gostovanje ekipi Monaka koja je u pristojnoj formi i kojoj apsolutno očajnički trebaju bodovi.
PSŽ će gostovati Sent Etjenu ali će PSŽ biti dosta oslabljen jer za njih neće igrati Šantom, Hoarau, Tiene i njihov najbolji igrač, Nene.
Opklada na Sent Etjen? Kvota za pobedu domaćina je jako dobra (4.55) no postoji još jedna činjenica vezana za ovaj meč. Sent Etjen tradicionalno mrzi Lion tako da ne treba isključiti mogućnost da će oni pokušati da pomognu PSŽ-u.
Ni Sent Etjen neće biti u najjačem sastavu jer za njih neće igrati igrači kao što su Rivier, Landran i Ebondo.
Moja osnovna ideja je bila da se kladim na veliku kvotu ponuđenu za pobedu domaćina no za sada sam odustao od toga.

Brestu je neophodan jedan bod kako bi opstao u ligi no ja mislim da će oni osvojiti sva tri na meču na domaćem terenu protiv ekipe Tuluza koja je na sigurnom. Kvota za pobedu domaćina je 2.10.

Chris

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28.05. (Sat) 20:45 Barcelona - Manchester Utd.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona have scored the most goals in this season's Champions League (27).

The Catalans have faced Manchester United 10 times in European play. Their record against the English outfit is: W3 D4 L3.

The Camp Nou giants have scored in their last 20 Champions League encounters. Rubin Kazan were the last team to shut them out back in November 2009.

Lionel Messi is the CL's top scorer with 11 goals in the current campaign.

Barcelona won the last European Cup final at Wembley in 1992 beating Sampdoria 1-0 after extra-time.

Xavi and Sergio Busquets are the only two players to complete more than 1000 passes in the 2010-11 CL.

Manchester United are riding a 12-game unbeaten streak in this year's edition of the Champions League.

Edwin Van der Sar will make his 99th overall appearance in the competition on Saturday.

The Red Devils have conceded only four goals in the tournament.

Alex Ferguson's side have reached their third CL final in the last four years.

United succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Barca in the 2009 final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Manchester United's last loss in the CL came against Bayern Munich in March 2010.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Barcelona (4-3-3)
Valdes; Dani Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Puyol; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Villa

Barca coach Pep Guardiola will be without the services of the injured Gabriel Milito and substitute goalkeeper Jose Pinto, who is suspended. Carles Puyol could deputise at full-back, with Javier Mascherano employed in the centre of defence.

Guardiola is expecting fireworks at Wembley and had nothing but praise for his opponents on Saturday, saying: "They are one of the best teams in the world, and not just this year. We are proud to be playing them. I think it will be a good final."

Manchester United (4-4-1-1)
Van der Sar; Fabio, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Giggs, Carrick, Park; Rooney; Hernandez

Leading scorer Dimitar Berbatov will have to be content with a place on the bench while Michael Carrick will likely hold off Darren Fletcher for a berth in midfield. Fabio should receive the nod ahead of his twin brother at right-back.

United manager Alex Ferguson is keen to win the CL trophy on English soil and warned his side not be in awe of his opponents, saying: "It is not good tactics to go into how good Barcelona are and show trepidation or apprehension about it. I don’t think that is our way."

Prediction

The Red Devils seem to be peaking at the most opportune moment while Barca don't look as formidable as they were earlier in the season. Still, the Liga outfit are the favourites and it's hard to bet against the Catalan artists with Xavi and Andres Iniesta pulling the strings in midfield.

Barcelona 2-1 Man Utd.

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Champions League Final Opta Stats

Barcelona - Manchester United

* Manchester Utd are the only unbeaten side in the Champions League this season (nine wins, three draws).
* Barcelona's only defeat in the Champions League this season was in London, when they lost 2-1 at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium last February.
* Barcelona are the best attacking side in this season's competition with 27 goals while Manchester Utd possess the best defence with four goals conceded in 12 games.
* Barcelona are the only side to have completed more than 90% of passes in the Champions League this season (90.9%), whilst Xavi and Sergio Busquets are the only players to have completed more than 1,000 passes (1,103 and 1,035 respectively).
* None of Manchester Utd's 18 goals in the Champions League this season have been headers.
* Barcelona have never failed to score in their last 20 Champions League games. The last side to stop them from finding the net were Rubin Kazan in November 2009.
* Barcelona were the last side to lift the Champions League trophy at Wembley when they won it in 1992 (1-0 v Sampdoria, after extra-time).
* This will be the 11th meeting between Barcelona and Manchester Utd, in all competitions. The record is perfectly balanced with three wins each and four draws.
* Their last meeting dates back to the 2009 Champions League final with Barcelona winning 2-0 at Rome's Stadio Olimpico.
* Their 10 previous meetings have seen a grand total of 31 goals, an average of 3.1 per game.
* This is the seventh time Barcelona have reached the final of the Champions League/European Cup, including three in the last six editions. They have won it three times and finished runners-up three times.
* Manchester Utd have reached their third Champions League final in the last four seasons. Their overall record in the Champions League/European Cup final is three wins and one defeat. The only side to beat them in the final are Barcelona, in 2009.
* If Barcelona beat Manchester Utd at Wembley, Spain will overtake Italy in terms of most Champions League/European Cup trophies. At the moment, they are tied on 12 trophies each, with England a close third (11).
* If Alex Ferguson lifts the trophy at Wembley, he will join Bob Paisley as the most decorated manager in the history of the Champions League/European Cup with three wins.
* Alex Ferguson is the third manager to lead a team to four Champions League/European Cup finals (1999, 2008, 2009, 2011), after Miguel Muñoz and Marcello Lippi.
* Lionel Messi is the top scorer this season in the Champions League with 11 goals. If he keeps hold of top spot, he would become the first player to win it outright in three consecutive seasons in the history of the European Cup. He is already Barcelona's leading scorer in the history of the competition (36 goals).
* Edwin Van der Sar has the best saves-to-shots ratio in the Champions League this season, having saved 31 of 35 shots faced.
* Van der Sar will become the oldest player to win the Champions League/European Cup if Manchester Utd are victorious. The oldest player to feature in the final will still be Juventus 'keeper Dino Zoff: he was 41 years and 86 days old when he played Hamburg in the 1983 final (lost 0-1).
* Dimitar Berbatov has failed to score in his last 1134 minutes of action in the Champions League. His last goal in the competition dates back to October 2008 (v Celtic).

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Clausura Preview Round 16

Game of the Week: Olimpo vs. River Plate

As the Clausura runs rapidly towards its conclusion, two of its most successful teams meet on Sunday in a game which, thanks to Argentina's three year relegation table, is a must-win clash to avoid being dragged into the promocion and a nail-biting playoff at the end of the season. Newly promoted Olimpo half-expected to be in such a fight at the start of the season, while it is new territory for Nunez's faltering giants.

The sides come into the clash in the upper reaches of the 2011 table, but have been handicapped by two opposing problems; Olimpo in stopping goals going in, River putting them into the back of the net. The Aurinegro have played exciting, swashbuckling football after a nervous start to the 2010-11 season, with number 10 Martin Rolle and striker Nestor Bareiro establishing themselves as Primera Division players of quality. A win in Bahia Blanca would all but end their relegation worries and leave them ready for another season in the top flight.

The Millo meanwhile finished fourth in 2010 and are currently fifth with four games to play, but it is a mark of how badly previous seasons have gone that they currently find themselves in the promocion with losing not an option. This week has also been turbulent; goalkeeping coach and club legend Ubaldo Fillol walked out after being 'disrespected' by current No. 1 Juan Pablo Carrizo in the last game.

Prediction
A devilishly tricky game to forecast. This six-pointer could go either way, but River's current indifferent form and home advantage for their opponents, mean that an Olimpo win is the most likely outcome.

Saturday's Action

We have reached that stage of the season when for certain teams, the games start to count more for pride than any grand aspirations or worries. This seems to be the case for Colon and Argentinos Juniors, who meet in Santa Fe to kick off the weekend. Both teams lie safely in mid-table after mediocre seasons, although an outstanding finish for either could see them sneak into the Copa Sudamericana.

San Lorenzo (above) are another team marooned in the middle, and will be looking forward to the arrival of coach Omar Asad to spearhead a more potent challenge in August. In the meantime they host Arsenal, who lie just one point clear of River at the bottom and need a win to ease relegation worries. All Boys welcome a Quilmes team almost condemned to relegation, before Racing Club and Banfield face off in a match La Academia need three points in to consolidate their place in the Copa qualification places.

Sunday's Action

Two accomplished wins have seen Independiente lift themselves out of the promocion dogfight, but the Rojo would like to take three points off Estudiantes in La Plata to ensure their place in Primera and keep climbing the Clausura ladder. The Pincha meanwhile still have not recorded a win since March, after their match with Huracan was suspended due to crowd trouble and will be completed in the next couple of weeks.

Boca Juniors goalkeeper Cristian Lucchetti likened the team to a reality show in the week, but the Xeneixe will hope to leave off-pitch drama aside and defeat bottom side Newell's Old Boys in the Bombonera. League leaders Velez Sarsfield will then hope to put Thursday's Copa Libertadores reverse behind them away to Tigre and keep a three point lead intact at the Clausura summit.

Monday's Action

While Velez look to keep up winning ways on Sunday, two of their closest rivals hope to close the gap with victory in the final matches of the weekend. No team is in better form than Lanus, who have found goals ridiculously easy to come by in the last few weeks. It would take a brave man to bet against them at home to Huracan, who after last week's trouble against Estudiantes are deep in on and off-pitch crisis.

The Globo are battling with Gimnasia to avoid the second direct relegation place, and the Lobo will find it no easier on the road against second-placed Godoy Cruz. The Mendocinos were left outraged by the refereeing during their draw against Banfield, and they will be desperate for three points as they chase the first title in their history.

Full Fixtures and Predictions for Round 16

Colon	1	1	Argentinos	Sat 19:00
San Lorenzo	2	1	Arsenal	21:10
All Boys	0	1	Quilmes	23:20
Racing	2	0	Banfield	Sun 01:20
Estudiantes	1	1	Independiente	19:00
Boca	3	1	Newell's OB	21:00
Tigre	0	2	Velez	23:10
Olimpo	1	0	River Plate	Mon 01:20
Lanus	3	0	Huracan	21:10
Godoy Cruz	1	1	Gimnasia LP	Tue 02:10

Predicted scores in bold

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French Ligue 1 Opta Facts - 29th May

Arles-Avignon v Sochaux

Arles-Avignon have won their last two league games, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
Two of Arles-Avignon's three Ligue 1 wins have come on match days 36 and 37.
Sochaux have won 16 league games for the first time since 2003-04.
Sochaux have won four of their five league games this season against promoted opposition.
Arles-Avignon need a victory in order to avoid equalling the all-time record of lowest number of wins in a single Ligue 1 season.
Sochaux have scored 57 Ligue 1 goals for the first time since 1981-82.
A league-low 27% of Sochaux's points this term were picked-up on the road.
Ideye Brown is the first Sochaux player to bag 15 Ligue 1 goals in a single season since Pierre-Alain Frau in 2003-04.

Bordeaux v Montpellier

Bordeaux have lost five home league games for the first time since 1979-80.
Montpellier have lost more Ligue 1 games at Bordeaux than at any other away ground (14).
Montpellier could complete their first-ever double of Bordeaux in Ligue 1 history, after having beaten them in the first leg.
Since last season, all three penalties awarded in league encounters between these teams were missed.
Bordeaux have conceded 42 goals for the first time since 2003-04.
Montpellier have lost their last three away games in Ligue 1.
Montpellier have failed to score in four of their last five league games.

Brest v Toulouse

Brest have only won one of their 17 Ligue 1 encounters against Toulouse, their lowest win ratio (6%) against any opponent faced in more than one season.
Brest's last three home games have all ended in draws.
Toulouse have failed to win any of their last four Ligue 1 away games, drawing three and losing one.
If Brest keep a clean sheet they will equal their best ever defensive record in a top flight campaign (1986-87).
Toulouse goalkeeper Ali Ahamada has kept five clean sheets in only seven Ligue 1 starts.

Caen v Marseille

Marseille are unbeaten in their last game of the Ligue 1 season since 2002-03.
Marseille have won their last three trips to Caen in Ligue 1.
None of the last 15 Ligue 1 meetings between Caen and Marseille have ended in a draw, Caen winning five and Marseille 10.
Caen are unbeaten in the last six match days, their longest run this term.
Marseille have won just one of their last five league games.
Since Didier Deschamps was appointed as manager, Marseille have won more away games than any other team in Ligue 1 (17).
Loïc Rémy could become the first Marseille player to score in five consecutive Ligue 1 appearances since Alen Boksic in 1993.
Romain Hamouma has scored or assisted nine of Caen's last 12 Ligue 1 goals.

Lille v Rennes

Lille are Ligue 1 Champions for the first time in 57 years.
Rennes have not won at Lille in Ligue 1 since May 1966.
Rennes have won just twice in their 34 trips to Lille in top-flight history.
Since Rudi Garcia was appointed as manager, Lille have won more home games than any other team in Ligue 1 (38).
Lille have scored first in a league-high 27 games this season.
Lille are unbeaten in their last seven league matches, currently the longest run.
Lille have failed to score only once in their last 32 home games in Ligue 1.
Moussa Sow could become the first Lille player to be crowned Ligue 1 top scorer since Jean Baratte in 1948-49.

Lorient v Auxerre

Lorient have won just one of their 13 league meetings with Auxerre.
Auxerre have kept a clean sheet in their last two trips to Lorient.
Lorient have failed to win any of their last four league games, currently the joint-longest run.
Lorient are unbeaten in their last 15 home league games, drawing all of the last six.
Auxerre could equal Bordeaux' all-time Ligue 1 record of 20 draws in 2004-05.
Auxerre are unbeaten in their last four away Ligue 1 games, winning one and drawing three.
Kevin Gameiro will attempt to become the first-ever player to score 50 Ligue 1 goals with Lorient.

Monaco v Lyon

Monaco could be relegated from Ligue 1 for the fourth time in their history.
Lyon are unbeaten in their last seven Ligue 1 encounters with Monaco.
No team currently ranked in the top seven spots have managed to win at Monaco this term in Ligue 1.
70% of goals conceded by Lyon this term in Ligue 1 have come after the half-time break.
Lyon have failed to win five consecutive away league games for the first time since 2007-08.
Only Arles-Avignon have scored fewer goals at home (13) than Monaco (16) this term in Ligue 1
This will be Monaco's 2000th Ligue 1 game.
Lyon could finish outside the top three for the first time since 1998-99.

Nancy v Lens

Lens have lost their last three trips to Nancy in Ligue 1.
Lens have scored in all of their last 11 trips to Nancy in Ligue 1.
15 goals have been scored in the last four Ligue 1 meetings between these teams.
Nancy have won their last two league games, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
Nancy have scored more than once in three consecutive league matches for the first time since April 2009.
Lens have drawn their last three away Ligue 1 games.
Lens' last two away goals have been headers from youngster Raphael Varane.

St Etienne v Paris SG

Paris SG have failed to win any of their last 10 Ligue 1 matches played in May.
St Etienne have lost their last three Ligue 1 games, currently the longest run.
Paris SG have scored only one goal in their last seven trips to St Etienne in Ligue 1.
Paris SG have failed to win any of their last five competitive games.
Paris SG are unbeaten in their last four Ligue 1 meetings with St Etienne (three wins and one draw).
Mathieu Bodmer has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, equalling his most prolific tally, with Lille in 2006-07.

Valenciennes v Nice

Nice have won six of their last nine Ligue 1 meetings with Valenciennes, but have lost their last two trips to the Nungesser stadium.
Valenciennes have drawn their last three Ligue 1 games, currently the longest run.
Valenciennes have drawn more games this term than in any of their other Ligue 1 campaigns (18).
Valenciennes have dropped more points than any other Ligue 1 team this season after taking the lead (24).
Only two of the 10 away goals netted by Nice this term in the league have come from strikers.
Nice have scored a league-high seven goals in second-half injury time this season.
Foued Kadir has scored in each of his last three appearances at home in Ligue 1.

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Ligue 1 preview - Round 38 - 29/05/2011

21:00 Arles Avignon - Sochaux
21:00 Bordeaux - Montpellier
21:00 Brest - Toulouse FC
21:00 Caen - Olympique Marseille
21:00 Lille - Stade Rennes
21:00 Lorient - Auxerre
21:00 Nancy - Lens
21:00 Monaco - Lyon (see full match preview)
21:00 Saint Etienne - PSG
21:00 Valenciennes - OGC Nice

AC Arles Avignon - FC Sochaux

Relegated Arles Avignon secured a second consecutive win, the first time they've achieved that feat in over a year, when they overcame fellow strugglers Lens 1-0.
Sochaux qualified for the Europa League last weekend, thanks to a 2-1 win over fellow European chasers Saint Etienne. Les Lionceaux will finish sixth in Ligue 1 this season.
Should Faruk Hadzibegic's men pull off an unlikely win, this would be their third straight win, the last time that happened was in March 2009.
Francois Gillot's men have prevailed in all but one of their encounters against promoted sides this term.

TEAM NEWS

Arles Avignon
Gael Germany and Kaba Diawara remain sidelined. First choice goalkeeper Cyril Merville is struggling to shake off an injury, meaning Vincent Plante will continue to deputise. Midfielder Emmanuel Correze will also miss the final game after struggling to shake off an injury. Soro Bakary returns from suspension.

Sochaux
Les Lionceaux are still deprived of Jeremie Brechet (Achilles tendon), Jacques Faty (groin), Kevin Anin (hernia), Serdar Gurle (headaches) and Yassin Mikari (ankle). Francois Gillot will also be without the services of Cedric Bakambu (hamstring) and Edouard Butin (thigh) for the final game of the season.

Bordeaux - Montpellier HSC

Bordeaux, who have endured a turbulent season, were consigned to a 2-0 defeat away to Toulouse last weekend. Les Girondins sit ninth with 48 points.
Montpellier succumbed to a 1-0 defeat away to Monaco last weekend with Rene Girard's side one of nine teams in relegation trouble and holding a -9 goal difference.
La Paillade have lost their last three away games.
Should Les Girondins lose, it will hand the visitors a first-ever league double over the Aquitane side.

TEAM NEWS

Bordeaux
Caretaker coach Eric Bedouet has recalled the services of Yoan Gouffran for the final encounter of the season after the midfielder had been out since February. Benoit Tremoulinas is also back in the squad after missing the defeat to Toulouse and could play for the 2009 champions for the final time.

Montpellier
Karim Ait Fana is the only main injury worry for La Paillade, with only long-term absentees on the treatmant table.

Brest - Toulouse FC

Brest ended a winless run of six games with a spirited 1-0 win away to Auxerre on the last matchday. They occupy 13th position in the table, and could still mathematically be relegated.
Toulouse overcame off-colour Bordeaux 1-0 last weekend, with Le Tefece 10th in the table.
Brest's last three games at Stade Francis Le Ble have all ended in draws.
Alain Casanova's men have failed to win any of their last four Ligue 1 away games.

TEAM NEWS

Brest
Alex Dupont has a selection headache in defence with Ahmed Kantari (ruptured Achilles tendon) and Omar Daf (ruptured cruciate ligament) long term absentees. Paul Baysse could return for the visit of Toulouse, but Larsen Traore, Ousmane Coulibaly (sprained knee) and Johan Martial (thigh strain) are all missing.

Toulouse FC
No new injury worries to report from the Toulouse camp, who only have long-term absentees on the injury list. Fode Mansare is the only key player missing for Alain Casanova.

Caen - Olympique Marseille

Caen's unbeaten run stretched to six games last weekend following a hard fought 0-0 draw against Lyon. Despite the run, they remain 16th and require a win to ensure safety.
Marseille's stranglehold on the Ligue 1 title was finally ended after a 2-2 draw against Valenciennes handed Lille the league crown.
OM have won just one of their last five league games.
Promoted Caen won at the Stade Velodrome in the first match of the season, securing a shock 2-1 win.

TEAM NEWS

Caen
Jeremy Sorbon, suspended last week, returns to the side for the visit of Marseille. However, As Sambou Yatabare, Damien Perquis, Pablo Barzola, Branko Lazarevic, Benjamin Morel and Rajiv Van La Parra are still missing for Franck Dumas' side. The same goes for Gregory Tafforeau (back), who is still unavailable.

Olympique Marseille
Gabriel Heinze will feature in his final game for the former champions after he announced on Friday he is leaving the Velodrome after two seasons. Andre-Pierre Gignac will miss the game after going for knee surgery, with long-term absentee Cesar Azpilicueta widely expected to start the game.

Lille - Stade Rennais FC

Lille are the new French champions, having secured their first league title since 1954 following a 2-2 draw against PSG last Saturday.
Fifth-placed Rennes' indifferent end to the season continued with a 2-0 home defeat to Nancy. Frederic Antoinetti's men have secured Europa League football for next season.
Moussa Sow could become the first Lille player to be crowned Ligue 1 top scorer for 61 years. He currently has 22 goals, one ahead of Lorient's Kevin Gameiro.
Rennes have not won away to Les Dogues for 45 years.

TEAM NEWS

Lille
No fresh worries for the newly crowned Ligue 1 champions with Rudi Garcia enjoying the luxury of a full squad.

Stade Rennes
No new injury problems for the visitors. Alexander Tettey and Tongo Doumbia are set to miss the final encounter after picking up knocks in their win two weeks ago, whilst Sylvian Marveaux has been a long-term absentee. Jires Ekoko will also sit out the match after picking up an injury for Les Rouge et Noir in the defeat to Valenciennes at the start of the month.

FC Lorient - Auxerre

Lorient were pipped to the Europa League qualification position by Sochaux after a 2-0 defeat away to Nice put paid to their hopes of continental football.
Auxerre's unbeaten run of nine games came to a disappointing halt after they slumped to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Brest.
Les Merlus are unbeaten in their last 15 home league games.
Auxerre have kept a clean sheet in their last two trips to Stade du Moustoir.

TEAM NEWS

Lorient
Sigamary Diarra continues to be sidelined after picking up tendonitis in the knee. Christian Gourcuff has a lengthy injury list which includes Maxine Beca and Fabien Audard for the final game of the season.

Auxerre
Ireneusz Jelen will miss the final game after picking up a hamstring tear, with the Polish international almost certainly having played his final game for the club. Kamel Chafni could return for the final game of the season, with Jeremy Berthod and captain Benoit Pedretti make the injury issues for AJA all the starker ahead of the encounter

Nancy - Lens

Nancy's hopes of avoiding the drop were boosted after they pulled off a surprise win at Stade Rennes last weekend. They sit 17th, a point ahead of Monaco in 18th.
Lens, who were relegated two weeks ago slipped to a 1-0 defeat at league minnows Arles.
Les Sang et Or have scored in all of their last 11 visits to Pablo Correa's side in Ligue 1.
Les Chardons have not conceded in their last two league games.

TEAM NEWS

Nancy
Pablo Correa's side have been boosted with the news that Marama Vahirua returns for final game of the season. Samba Diakhite is doubtful, with Jordan Loties back from suspension.

Lens
Les Sang et Or have six main players out for their final Ligue 1 game. Sidi Keita, Kanga Akal, Henri Bedimo, Sebastien Roudet, Toifilou Maoulida and Adil Hermach are all out of the squad, along with Vedran Runje who has been released from his contract early.

AS Saint-Etienne - PSG

Saint Etienne's hopes of European football next season were dashed when they were beaten 2-1 by Sochaux, who instead took the coveted sixth and final position.
PSG were held 2-2 by league champions Lille last weekend, despite playing with 10 men for virtually the entire second half. They remain fourth.
Les Parisiens can qualify for the Champions League if they win and Lyon lose to Monaco.
Christophe Galtier's men have lost their last three Ligue 1 games

TEAM NEWS

Saint Etienne
Christophe Galtier has been hit with a number of withdrawals for the visit of PSG. Albin Ebondo is doubtful for the match having struggling to overcome a sore knee. First-choice goalkeeper Jeremie Janot (muscle stretching) is also out along with, Emmanuel Riviere (sprained ankle), Christophe Landrin (groin), Yoric Ravet (thigh), Yohann Andreu (knee) and Sylvain Monsoreau (Achilles tendon).

PSG
Antoine Koumbouare, who was sent to the stands last week, has been hit with further suspensions. Guillaume Hoarau will miss the match after his red card against Lille, with Clement Chantome, Nene and Siaka Tiene also suspended by the LFP having picked up various yellow cards.

Valenciennes - OGC Nice

Valenciennes ended Marseille's dwindling title hopes last weekend when they held the former champions to a 2-2 draw at the Stade Velodrome.
Nice boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation to Ligue 2 after they won 2-0 against Lorient to move to 14th in the table.
However, Les Aiglons could still be mathematically relegated as they sit only two points ahead of 18th placed Monaco, and have a -14 goal difference, the worst of any team facing demotion.
Phillipe Montanier's men, who have drawn their last three Ligue 1 games, are also facing the drop on a tantalising final day of Ligue 1.

TEAM NEWS

Valenciennes
Vincent Aboubakar has recovered from his groin injury to also take his place against Nice. However, Steven Langile (knee) and Rafael (back) are still out for Valenciennes.

Nice
Renato Civelli returns from suspension to feature for Les Aiglons, with Gregory Paisley back into the first team. Abdou Traore remains sidelined until the start of next season.

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Opta Facts - Playoff Finals 28.-30. May

Championship Play-Off Final

Swansea City v Reading

Only QPR (25) kept more clean sheets than Swansea City (22 - including playoffs) in the Championship this term.
Only Watford (18.9%) managed a better conversion rate than Reading (17.3%) in the regular Championship this term.
The last four meetings between theses sides have seen a total of just four goals netted.
Darren Pratley has scored in two of his last three appearances against the Royals.
Brendan Rodgers has not lost any of the five league games that he has played against his former clubs as a manager (Watford and Reading).
Swansea have not lost any of their last five meetings with the Royals.
Since 1989, the team ending the season in third place have won promotion from the Championship/First Division playoffs more often than in any other position (seven times).
All seven of the goals scored in the last three Championship playoff finals have been netted before half-time.
Reading's only previous appearance in a Championship/First Division playoff final came back in 1995, when they lost 4-3 AET to Bolton Wanderers.
Swansea lost their last playoff final in the Football League, when they went down to Barnsley on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the 2006 League One final.
The Swans also suffered a 0-1 defeat to Northampton in the League Two final in 1997 at Wembley, but were successful in 1988, beating Torquay United over two legs in the fourth tier playoff final.

League One Opta Facts - Playoff Final

Huddersfield v Peterborough

The three meetings between the sides in all competitions this season have produced a total of 13 goals.
This is Huddersfield's sixth appearance in the third tier playoffs. The Terriers were promoted to the First Division in 1994/1995, but lost in the semi-finals on all four other playoff appearances at this level.
The team finishing third in the table have won three of the last four League One Playoffs.
Peterborough netted 106 league goals in the regular season, 20 more than any other League One side.
Despite this, only relegated Bristol Rovers (82) conceded more than the Posh (75) in the third tier.
Peterborough have won their both of their two previous appearances in the Football League Playoffs, progressing from League One in 1992 and League Two in 2000.
Since 1989, the team finishing fourth in the table has only won the playoffs three times out of 22, with the last team to do so being Brighton in 2004.
League One top scorer Craig Mackail-Smith has netted seven goals in his last 10 games, including one in each leg of the semi-finals.
Only one of the last 13 meetings between these sides has ended in a draw.
Huddersfield are now unbeaten in 27 league games including playoffs and have not yet tasted defeat in 2011.

League Two Opta Facts - Playoff Final

Stevenage v Torquay

Stevenage failed to find the net in either of their two league fixtures against Torquay earlier this season.
Torquay defeated Stevenage 2-0 at home in March, following a goalless draw at the Lamex Stadium in September.
Going back further, Stevenage have not scored in any of their last four league meetings with the Gulls, including two games in the Blue Square Premier in 2008/09.
Three of the last four playoff finals in League Two have seen the winning side net three goals.
The winners of the final last season; Dagenham & Redbridge, finished 7th in the league, like Torquay this term.
Torquay lost their most recent appearance in the League Two playoff final; 0-1 against Colchester United back in 1998, although they did defeat Blackpool on penalties at the same stage in 1991.
Stevenage have lost only twice in their last 14 matches in all competitions.
Torquay have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last nine games.

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27.05. (Fri) 20:45 Wales - Northern Ireland

DID YOU KNOW?

In the last two competitive matches between the two sides, Northern Ireland have gained just one point, a 2-2 draw in the 2006 World Cup qualifying in September 2004.

Wales won their last meeting, beating Northern Ireland 3-2 in their own back-yard in October 2004.

Stuart Dallas and Jordan Owens could make their debuts for Northern Ireland on Friday.

At no point in the last four years have Wales been ranked higher than Northern Ireland by Fifa.

In March this year, Wales were ranked lower than at any other time since the beginning of Fifa’s ranking system as they were rated 116 in the world. They are now ranked 114th.

Northern Ireland are currently ranked at 65th in the world, the lowest since August 2006 when Fifa declared them the 72nd best national team.

The current Northern Ireland squad (including Davis and Clingan) have 199 caps between them, but have only scored nine times with Warren Feeney on five and Davis and Gareth McAuley (pictured right) on two each.

Northern Ireland have lost their last two matches, letting in eight goals in the process and scoring none.

Wales have also lost their last two matches, conceding five goals and scoring none over the course of those matches.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Wales (4-5-1)
Hennessey; Gunter, Gabbidon, Morgan, D Collins; Cotterill, Collison, Ramsey, Vaughan, Bellamy; Earnshaw.

Wales have had a number of injury problems leading up to the tournament with James Collins, Lewin Nyatanga, David Edwards, Joe Ledley and Ched Evans all withdrawing, whilst Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are unavailable as they are involved in the Championship play-off final between Swansea and Reading.

Many of the regulars could start against Northern Ireland after the majority of them started on the bench for the Scotland match on Wednesday evening, therefore meaning the likes of Aaron Ramsey, David Vaughan and Craig Bellamy could all start.

Northern Ireland (4-4-2)
Tuffey; Hodson, Cathcart, McAuley, McGivern; McGinn, Norwood, Garrett, Gorman; Feeney, Boyce.

Following the 5-0 hammering against Republic of Ireland on Monday, Nigel Worthington will be forced into a number of changes, some form induced, whilst two of their most experienced performers – Steven Davis and Sammy Clingan – have been ruled out due to injuries.

Another enforced change will come in defence after 18-year-old defender Adam Thompson was sent off against Northern Ireland’s arch-rivals.

Prediction

Admittedly, this scoreline is optimistic in the sense that goals ensure added entertainment, but Northern Ireland have been utterly dire recently with their 5-0 trouncing at the hands of their Ireland-neighbours bringing that fact to the fore.
Wales on the other hand haven’t been in great form either; however they do possess a decent side and should injuries be kept to a minimum, then there is no reason why they can’t beat their opponents almost as easily as Republic of Ireland did on Tuesday with the ability of Ramsey unmatchable in the Northern Ireland team.

Wales 3-0 N. Ireland

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27.05. (Fri) 02:50 Penarol - Velez Sarsfield

DID YOU KNOW?

Penarol have already taken on two Argentine teams in the 2011 Copa, securing mixed results in the group stage against Independiente and Godoy Cruz.
The Carboneros took six points against Godoy, but were beaten on both occasions against the Rojo.
Their current run has seen them down three current champions: Libertadores holders Internacional, Chilean side Catolica and Ecuadorian winners Liga de Quito have all fallen to the Uruguayans.
The team also boast an Argentine in their ranks, influential No. 10 and ex-Nueva Chicago man Alejandro Martinuccio .

Penarol and Velez Sarsfield have met just twice in international competition, surprising given the teams' impressive record in South America.
They clashed in the 2001 Copa Mercosur group stage, with Velez winning 3-0 in Liniers and Penarol winning 2-1 in Montevideo.
This will however be the first time they meet in the Libertadores.
Similar to their rivals, the Fortin will start with one Uruguayan; powerful ex-Nacional striker Santiago Silva.
The goals have flowed freely in recent weeks for Velez. 12 strikes have been registered in four knock-out games.
Overall the team have scored 24 times in 2011, making them the most potent side in the entire championship.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Penarol (4-4-2)
Sosa; G. Rodriguez, D. Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Valdez; Aguiar, Freitas, Corujo, Mier; Olivera, Martinuccio

No surprises for the home team. The Manya line up with the same XI which battled past Catolica last week, playing with dynamic duo Martinuccio and Olivera up front.

Velez Sarsfield (4-3-1-2)
Barovero; Cubero, Domínguez, Ortiz, Papa; Fernandez, Razzotti, Zapata; Moralez; Silva, Martínez

Velez also stick to the old mantra of "don't change a winning team". Ricardo Gareca makes no alterations to his heroic Asuncion line up, with Santiago Silva back in scoring form and fully fit.

Prediction

  Peñarol 2-1 Velez Sarsfield  

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25.05. (Wed) 20:45 Wales - Scotland

DID YOU KNOW?

The last time the two sides met, Wales ran out convincing 3-0 winners with goals coming from David Edwards, Simon Church and Aaron Ramsey.

If he passes a late fitness test, Aston Villa defender James Collins will pick up his 40th cap for Wales.

Wales have claimed victory over the Scots in the last four fixtures between the countries.

Scotland could hand first caps to Celtic’s James Forrest and Norwich's Russell Martin, who qualifies for the national side though his Scottish father.

A victory for Scotland would see them remain at the top of the Home Nations Cup league table going into their last fixture with the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

The Scots hold a massive advantage in the head-to-head between the two nations, having won 59 times, while Wales have only recorded 22 victories and another 22 games have ended in a draw.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Wales (4-4-2)
Hennessey; Gunter, J Collins, Gabbidon, D Collins; Cotterill, Collison, Ramsey, King; Morison, Earnshaw.

Wales boss Gary Speed has an injury doubt over centre-back James Collins along with on-loan Cardiff striker Craig Bellamy, who has been carrying a hamstring injury, which saw him miss the Bluebirds' second-leg defeat in the Championship play-offs.

Speed is already without the services of Gareth Bale, Sam Ricketts, Andrew Crofts, Joe Ledley, Ched Evans, Christian Ribiero and Brian Stock due to injury, while Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are all unavailable due to their participation in the Championship play-off final on Monday.

Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder Jack Collison makes his international return after being out of the team for over a year with a knee injury.

Scotland (4-5-1)
McGregor; Whittaker, G Caldwell, Berra, Bardsley; Morrison, Brown, Adam, McArthur, Robson; Miller.

Scotland go into the Home Nations Cup fixture without the services of Celtic midfielder Kris Commons, who has been forced to withdraw due to a hamstring injury, while both skipper Darren Fletcher and frontman Craig Mackail-Smith are both out of the squad due to club commitments.

The Scots are also without long-term injury victims Craig Gordon, Alan Hutton, Lee Wallace and Graham Dorrans, while Dundee United striker David Goodwillie is excluded from the travelling party due to legal reasons.

Prediction

With the confidence that Scotland gained the last time they visited Dublin when they defeated Northern Ireland to go to the top of the tournament table with the hosts Republic of Ireland and having not suffered from the usual mass call-offs, that will give Craig Levein’s side the advantage.

Gary Speed however is still looking for his first win as Welsh manager since taking over from John Toshack and that is set to continue after this fixture.

Wales 1-3 Scotland

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24-05-2011 AFC Champions League Round of 16 preview

Gamba Osaka - Cerezo Osaka
Jeonbuk Motors - Tianjin Teda
Sepahan - Bunyodkor
Al Ittihad - Al Hilal

Gamba Osaka - Cerezo Osaka

The two Osaka clubs head into this clash in contrasting form, with Gamba having won their past three matches in the J-League, while Cerezo are still winless for this domestic campaign

The 2008 Asian champions hold a 100 per cent winning record at the Osaka Expo '70 Stadium in the ACL and J-League this season but they may not enjoy such an advantage against their city rivals who make the short journey across town

Cerezo have drawn their past five matches in the J-League and appear to be missing Brazilian striker Adriano who plays for Gamba nowadays

The last time these two clubs met was on the opening day of the J-League season, with Gamba victorious 2-1 with Yasuhito Endo scoring the winner


TEAM NEWS:

Gamba Osaka
Gamba are set to be without experienced defender Satoshi Yamaguchi following a thigh injury sustained in the weekend's win over Albirex Niigata. Former Cerezo striker Adriano is in fine form in front of goal after three strikes in Gamba's past two games including the late winner against Niigata.

Cerezo Osaka
Young midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake has scored in Cerezo's past three matches and looms as a danger man, while uncapped Korean goalkeeper Kim Jin-Hyun was called up to his national team on Monday in a timely boost.

Jeonbuk Motors - Tianjin Teda

Korean outfit Jeonbuk defeated lowly Gangwon FC 1-0 on the weekend to regain top spot in the K-League

The Jeonju-based club accumulated the most points of any club during the ACL group stage with five wins from six games

Tianjin defeated struggling Jiangsu Sainty 2-1 on the weekend despite being reduced to 10 men, to move to seventh on the Chinese Super League table

The North China club have only claimed one away win in all competitions in 2011, that coming in the ACL in Korea away to Jeju United

TEAM NEWS:

Jeonbuk Motors
Boss Choi Kang-Hee opted to rest several key players against Gangwon including striker Jeong Seong-Hoon who was left on the bench. Topscorer Lee Dong-Gook returned from injury to play half an hour against Gangwon but Choi may decide not to risk him against Tianjin.

Tianjin Teda
First-choice goalkeeper Wang Qipeng is suspended after being sent off in Tianjin's final group game. Five yellow cards in their final group game against Gamba also means the Chinese club are without suspended key players Chen Tao, Luciano Olguin, Marko Zoric and Bai Yuefeng.

Sepahan - Bunyodkor

Sepahan were recently crowned Iranian champions but finished the season with just one win from their final four league matches

The Iranians are unbeaten at home in both the domestic league and AFC Champions League this season

Bunyodkor are currently top in Uzbekistan's Oily League, having won their past five matches

The 2010 Uzbek champions bowed out at this stage of the ACL last year, but progressed in the Round of 16 in 2009 after winning in Iran, against Persepolis

TEAM NEWS:

Sepahan
Senegalese striker Ibrahima Toure is Sepahan's danger man having scored four goals already in the ACL, including two last time out against Al Jazira. Toure bagged 18 goals during the Iran Pro League campaign.


Bunyodkor
Boss Mirjalol Qosimov has taken a strong squad to Isfahan including in-form strikers Anvarjon Soliev and Milos Trifunovic with the latter scoring five goals in their past three games in all competitions.

Al Ittihad - Al Hilal

Both clubs concluded their campaigns in Saudi Arabia's Professional League on the weekend with wins. Al Hilal were champions while Al Ittihad finished runners-up a further 13 points back

The Tigers may have home ground advantage after progressing as Group C winners, but Group A runners-up Al Hilal actually accumulated more points in the group stage

Al Hilal's form is fantastic as they went unbeaten throughout the domestic season, while they have only been beaten once in all competitions since late-October

Al Ittihad appointed Dimitri Davidovic as their new manager only last week following the sacking of Toni Oliveira. Al Hilal boss Gabriel Calderon is a former Al Ittihad manager too

TEAM NEWS:

Al Ittihad
Mohammad Al Rashid looms as the Tigers key player having netted six goals in the club's past six games in all competitions.

Al Hilal
Vice-captain Osama Hawsawi looks likely to miss the clash due to an adductor injury which has prevented him from training early this week.

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22.05. (Sun) 20:45 Udinese - Milan

DID YOU KNOW?

Udinese are currently riding a two-game winning streak.

The Zebrette have collected nine points from their last five home matches.

Francesco Guidolin's men have conceded 16 goals at the Stadio Friuli.

Antonio Di Natale leads the league in scoring with 28 goals.

AC Milan are unbeaten in their last seven matches.

The Rossoneri have picked up ten points in their last five road games.

Massimiliano Allegri's men have conceded a league low 12 goals away from San Siro.

Milan have keep four clean sheets in their last five encounters.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Udinese (3-5-2)
Handanovic; Benatia, Zapata, Domizzi; Isla, Inler, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Sanchez, Di Natale

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin will have to make do without wing-back Dusan Basta who is out with injury.

AC Milan (4-3-1-2)
Abbiati; Abate, Thiago Silva, Yepes, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Pirlo; Robinho; Pato, Ibrahimovic

Milan announced earlier in the week that Alessandro Nesta, Mark van Bommel, Thiago Silva, Massimo Ambrosini and Flavio Roma had all signed extensions to remain at the club. Andrea Pirlo will play his last game for the Rossoneri after confirming he will leave the San Siro outfit in the summer.

Prediction

This game is absolutely vital for the hosts as they could clinch fourth spot in Serie A while Milan have already been crowned Serie A champions and have nothing to play for. Expect Udinese to come out all guns blazing and earn three points on Sunday.

Udinese 2-1 AC Milan

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22.05. (Sun) 20:45 Lecce - Lazio

DID YOU KNOW?

Lecce are riding a two-game winning streak.

Luigi De Canio's men have picked up six points in their last five home games.

David Di Michele leads the team in scoring with eight goals in Serie A.

Lecce have scored 25 goals at home this season.

Lazio have only one win in their last four encounters.

The Blucerchiati have picked up just three points in their last six road matches.

Lazio have conceded 22 goals away from the Stadio Olimpico.

Hernanes leads the team in scoring with 11 goals.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Lecce (4-4-2)
Rosati; Donati, Sini, Fabiano, Giuliatto; Munari, Vives, Giacomazzi, Mesbah; Chevanton, Di Michele

Lecce coach Luigi De Canio will leave the club after the match on Sunday. The 53-year-old tactician will be without the services of the injured Gustavo and the suspended Nenad Tomovic.

Lazio (4-2-3-1)
Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Biava, Dias, Garrido; Ledesma, Brocchi; Mauri, Hernanes, Zarate; Rocchi

Lazio coach Edy Reja will have to make do without injured trio Matuzalem, Mark Bresciano and Mobido Diakate for Sunday's encounter.

Prediction

Lecce have already secured their Serie A status for next season while Lazio need a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive so expect the visitors to take all three points on Sunday.

Lecce 1-2 Lazio

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22.05. (Sun) 20:45 Juventus - Napoli

DID YOU KNOW?

Juventus are winless in their last two games.

The Old Lady are unbeaten in their last four matches in Turin.

Juve have scored seven goals in their past four encounters at home.

The Bianconeri have conceded 29 goals this season at home.

Napoli have just one win in their past five encounters.

Edinson Cavani leads the team in scoring with 26 goals.

Walter Mazzarri's men have conceded eight goals in their last five road games.

Napoli have picked up just one point in the month of May

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Juventus (4-4-2)
Buffon; Sorensen, Barzagli, Chiellini, Traore; Krasic, Marchisio, Felipe Melo, Pepe; Matri, Del Piero

Luigi Del Nerl might be making his last appearance on Juve sideline as speculation continues to mount over the coach's future in Turin. Claudio Marchisio signed a new deal with the club earlier in the week while Marco Motta is suspended and will miss the match on Sunday.

Napoli (3-4-2-1)
De Sanctis; Santacroce, Cribari, Ruiz; Zuniga, Gargano, Yebda, Dossena; Sosa; Mascara, Lavezzi

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri will be missing key striker Edinson Cavani who will serve the last game of his ban on Sunday. Jose Sosa will likely be given a rare start in place of Marek Hamsik.

Prediction

Juve coach Luigi Del Neri admitted after last weekend's loss to Parma that Juve needed a miracle to qualify for Europe and they will conclude their disappointing season with a stale draw in Turin

Juventus 0-0 Napoli

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22.05. (Sun) 17:00 Bolton Wanderers - Manchester City

DID YOU KNOW?

The overall record between these sides is remarkably close. City edge it with 43 wins to Bolton’s 41 and there have been 25 draws over the years.

Bolton’s recent home league record against City is very good. Their last loss in this fixture came in December 2004, when Joey Barton scored the only goal for the visitors.

But the Trotters' recent run has been awful. They have lost their last four on the spin and would hate to finish the season on a five match cold streak.

City’s form is much better, however, as six wins in the last seven and only three goals conceded shows they are now a very tough team to beat.

With Joe Hart receiving the Golden Gloves award this week, he could finish the season with 18 clean sheets.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Bolton Wanderers (4-4-2)
Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Lee, Cohen, Taylor, Gardner; Elmander, Sturridge.

Johan Elmander could be announced as Galatasaray bound by the time kick-off arrives and this would be his farewell.

Fabrice Muamba picked up a hamstring injury in the last outing against Blackpool and may miss out. Kevin Davies and Stuart Holden are still in the treatment room and will not see action until next season.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Zabaletta; De Jong, Barry, Johnson, Toure Y, Silva, Tevez

Roberto Mancini is likely to field a strong XI on Sunday as City’s quest for a third place finish reaches it’s climax. Gareth Barry could come in for James Milner, whilst Carlos Tevez could make his final appearance for City if his move away from Eastlands comes to fruition.

City have kept three clean sheets in as many games and Mancini will likely stick with what is working - meaning the defence should remain untouched.

Prediction

The game is essentially a dead rubber for Bolton. They are sitting nicely in the top ten before kick-off, which is a successful season and a solid foundation to build on next year.

They would love to prick Manchester City’s hopes of clinching third place, but this does not seem likely.

The Eastlands outfit are riding the crest of a wave at the moment and this confidence will ensure that they take three points on Sunday and qualify automatically for the group stages of the Champions League.

Bolton 1-3 Man City

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22.05. (Sun) 17:00 Fulham - Arsenal

DID YOU KNOW?

Not one of Fulham's home Premier League games against Arsenal has ended in a draw.

The Cottagers have failed to score in six of their last eight home Premier League games against the Gunners.

Arsenal have scored exactly four goals in the ultimate game of their Premier League campaign in three of the last five seasons.

Arsenal have only ever drawn one of their 18 games on the final day of the Premier League season.

30% of Fulham's goals this season have come from headers - the highest proportion in the league.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Fulham (4-4-2):
Schwarzer; Senderos, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido; Sidwell, Murphy, Dempsey, Greening; Zamora, Johnson.

Mark Hughes will be sweating over the availability of Sean Davis and Bobby Zamora, with the duo set to complete late fitness tests before the game.

Meanwhile, Chris Baird is definitely out, serving a two-game suspension for foul language towards an official. Damien Duff’s continued absence is more than likely to be filled by Jonathan Greening.

Arsenal (4-3-3):
Szczesny; Sagna, Vermaelen, Squillaci, Gibbs; Song, Wilshere, Ramsey; Walcott, Arshavin, Van Persie.

Thomas Vermaelen continues his comeback trail, completing a back-four line-up that was dismantled by Aston Villa in 15 minutes last week.

In fact, Arsene Wenger will more than likely keep faith with the same XI from last week, as Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas look as if their period on the sidelines will stretch into the summer. Andrey Arshavin could count himself lucky to start after a dismal end of season run-in.

Prediction

It's a game where Fulham have a lot more to lose than Arsenal. If results conspire against the Cottagers, they could find themselves in the bottom half of the table after a very respectable season. The Gunners, on the other hand, are guaranteed fourth but could leapfrog Manchester City into third should Roberto Mancini's side fail to win.

Arsenal will be desperate not to end the season with three losses in a row. They attacked Aston Villa last week and I can see more of the same this week and I'm not sure whether Fulham will be able to keep them at bay.

Fulham 1-2 Arsenal

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